The best economic stimulus possible is to put money back in people’s pockets

Fine Gael’s Dublin Candidate for the European Parliament, Brian Hayes TD, has said that lowering taxes for hard pressed Irish workers will significantly benefit the wider economy. Minister Hayes was speaking alongside the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, at a meet and greet with Fine Gael local election candidates in Dublin today (Tuesday). 

“I strongly welcome Minister Noonan’s stated intention to reduce personal taxes for hard pressed middle income earners if possible. This would have the effect of putting money back in the pockets of public and private sector workers who have shown remarkable resilience in helping this country to weather the economic storm. 

“More money in people’s pockets will encourage spending in the domestic economy which only incentivises job creation. The best and fairest economic stimulus of all is a tax cut. Supporting jobs growth must remain the clear focus of government and tax breaks for people at work is the logical next step.

“Our current rate of tax is a huge disincentive for people to stay in Ireland and work and is encouraging a brain drain of young professionals. We need to keep our best and brightest here in Ireland making a contribution to their own country – not Australia, not Canada, not the US. 

“Fine Gael has shown the Irish people that we can be trusted with the economy and with job creation. Over 60,000 jobs have been created in the last year alone. Being at the heart of the European Union is vital to Ireland’s ability to create jobs and attract employers to our shores. Irish and multinational exporting companies account for well over 500,000 jobs in Ireland and the EU is by far our biggest market. 

“Fine Gael understands better than any other party the importance of Ireland’s involvement in Europe. That’s why we have always taken our EU membership and the quality of our MEPs seriously.

“On that note I am honoured to receive the support of Gay Mitchell MEP. Gay has forged a reputation for being one of the most committed and hard working Members of the European Parliament. He has also been a tireless advocate for his native city. If elected I hope to be appointed to the influential Economic Committee of which Gay is currently a member and I am delighted to have his full support.”