Fine Gael Junior Minister struggles in attempt to undermine Sinn Féin Alternative Budget

» Mark Moloney

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty says Hayes is involved in "political mischief"

FINE GAEL is floundering in its attempts to undermine Sinn Féin's Alternative Budget proposals and has been forced to engage in a campaign of disinformation.

Shortly after Sinn Féin launched its proposals on Tuesday, Fine Gael Junior Minister Brian Hayes – who never misses an opportunity to attack the party – fired out a hastily written press statement claiming there was a "€350million hole" in the proposal. He alleged this was down to Sinn Féin wanting to maintain the reduced VAT rate of 9% for the hospitality and tourism sector.

However, Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty says Hayes is involved in "political mischief", explaining that there is no hole in the proposals and that the 9% rate would be extended by maintaining the pension levy into 2014, but at a lower rate as outlined in the 'A Fair Budget' document. 

Doherty also pointed out that the Sinn Féin Alternative Budget is fully-costed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Brian Hayes's own Department of Finance.

The same tactic of claiming a supposed €350million shortfall was attempted by Fine Gael TD Damien English on the Tonight with Vincent Browne show on TV3 on Tuesday night. However, English was quickly corrected by Doherty and the government TD conceded that the Sinn Féin Budget is "well worked out" and the proposals contained within it is "nice stuff and it's all positive".

Sinn Féin's Alternative Budget allows for a €2.453billion adjustment and sets out measures to assist job creation; small and medium businesses, the agriculture sector and people in mortgage distress with a commitment to equality budgeting. It also reduces the tax burden on ordinary families, protects public services and invests in jobs.