SF and FF pledge opposition to pensioner cut-backs in Budget

on 17/09/2012 15:15:59

Both opposition parties have vowed to fight any government plans to target pensioners in the Budget.

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin - who are holding think-ins in Dublin ahead of the return of the Dáil tomorrow - have also vowed to oppose the coalition's property tax.

Micheál Martin said plans to raise €500m through the property tax were now unrealistic, while Gerry Adams said a wealth tax would be fairer.

Mr Adams also criticised comments at the weekend by Junior Minister Brian Hayes, after Mr Hayes suggested well-off pensioners might need to be targeted in the budget, claiming they had escaped unscathed so far.

"Those who can pay most should pay most, but those citizens who are aged, or unfirm, or who have disabilities, or who are unemployed or living in rural areas - they have to be protected," said Mr Adams.

"You had the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach saying 'Let's have no speculation ahead of the Budget.'... Two days later, there's all this kite-flying and attempts to scare people."