THE SINN FÉIN leadership branded election speculation as a “con-job” and a “distraction” as the party revealed its alternative budget this afternoon.
Party leader Gerry Adams was flanked by deputies Mary Lou McDonald, Pearse Doherty and Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin at the launch of their 43 page document today.
Adams said their proposals demonstrate that the electorate have a clear choice to make but emphasised that any focus on the particular date is secondary to the issues at hand.
“We’re not here to discuss the relationship between the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach,” Adams said.
“We’re here to talk about the proposals that we’re putting forward which shows that there’s a better way of organising our society.”
“This wasn’t written on the back of an envelope, these are costed proposals which show that there is a choice. That surely there’s a choice facing the government when it brings forward its budget, and when the Taoiseach calls the election there will be a choice facing the electorate.”
The party’s plan includes proposals to scrap water charges and the property tax and a total spending programme of €1.7 billion.
It also seeks to re-introduce the second home charge and a gradual increase of the charge to €400 a year.
The party also wants a new 15.75% rate of Employers PRSI on salaries above €100,000.
McDonald said that the document was an “ambitions programme” that seeks to “put families and their children first”.
The Sinn Féin plan also seeks to remove 100,000 workers from USC by excepting workers earning below €19,572.
Asked about the continued rumours about the upcoming date of the election, Doherty was similarly dismissive of the focus on the date.
“I think it’s a con-job from the government,” he said.
“I think they’re spinning the media and others abut the election date. There’s far more headlines written about whether the election is going to be in November or February or March compared to people who’ve died on our streets as a result of homelessness or people on trolleys in hospitals.”
Doherty went on to say the decision of the election date being one for the Taoiseach is one that should be examined.
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