Labour's Rabbitte flip-flops on tax policy to get into government with Fine Gael

Pat Rabbitte: Flip-flop

PAT RABBITTE and Eamon Gilmore's Labour Party have been accused by Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald of flip-flopping on its taxation policy on the eve of the general election after they dropped their proposal to introduce a new 48% tax on individual earnings over €100,000.

Mary Lou said it is obvious that negotiations between Fine Gael and Labour on a Programme for Government have already begun with Labour dropping a progressive taxation proposal in favour of the regressive Universal Social Charge.

She said:

The Labour Party is clearly dropping this policy to suit Fine Gael in its bid to prop up yet another conservative-led Government.

In dropping its proposal to introduce the a progressive new 48% tax on individual earnings over €100,000, the Labour Party is confirming its support for the regressive Universal Social Charge which indiscriminately targets the lowest earners in Irish society.

If this is the Labour Party in opposition then god help us if they get into Government.