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MINISTER FOR FINANCE Jack Chambers has announced that this year’s Budget will be held on 1 October.
The date is one week earlier than usual, which will further fuel speculation that an early general election is on the cards.
However, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Chambers insisted that the Government is “absolutely committed” to seeing out its full term until March next year.
“We have to submit our fiscal and budgetary submission to the European Commission on 15 October and the week prior to that, both myself and Minister Donohoe will be attending ECOFIN and Eurogroup meetings, so 1 October is the natural date,” Chambers said.
When asked if Budget 2025 was being brought forward a week early as part of plans for an early election, he said: “Absolutely not.
“The Government is committed to running the full term. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and all of government have set that out,” he said.
“The fact it’s one week different from last year really is of very little difference in the context of the social welfare bill and the Finance bill which often conclude at the end of November or early December.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris moved to dampen speculation that there will be an early election, stating ”there won’t be, because we’re going to have an election next year. That’s the plan”.
“I’ve said it many, many times. It’s my intention for this government to run its full term,” he said.
Harris said it has “been long known” by party leaders and the finance minister that the dusty ECOFIN meeting and the meeting of European finance ministers will take place on 8 October.
“Therefore, it simply makes sense to have the budget on 1 October,” said Harris.
However, less than three weeks ago, former finance minister Michael McGrath told RTÉ that there had been no discussions about moving the budget day forward, instead stating that there is little scope to do so, given the level of preparation needed.
Harris told reporters today that the public are more interested in the substance of the budget rather than the date, stating that the focus is about maintaining the “good economic position” Ireland is in right now.
He said the cost-of-living crisis is still being felt by many. While inflation has calmed, it has fallen from a very high position.
“I’m very conscious of the pressures that people are still feeling in their real life. So that’s my focus, the substance of the budget, the content of the budget, the next step is to bring the summary economic statement to cabinet next week,” he said.
October’s Budget will be the coalition’s last, but the first to be presented by Chambers, who took up the role of Finance Minister last week.
The latest exchequer report shows that corporation tax receipts have helped to boost the State’s overall tax take during the first half of this year, increasing by 15.4% when compared to the first six months of 2023.
Chambers said that further progress on housing, driving affordability and supporting renters is “an absolute priority” along with strengthening living standards, but described it as “a careful balancing act”.
He said he is working in a different context compared to Covid and the “significant inflationary environment” that was seen previously.
“Ministers across government are going to have to prioritise the areas that they want to see advanced for 2025 because we have to be careful in the context of risks that are out there.
“Despite running a significant budgetary surplus, I want to be absolutely careful and think about the choices that we make.
He said that bringing a responsible approach to macroeconomic policy “is at the core of what I want to do”.
“We want to make sure in the medium to long-term, that with the additional surplus that we’re running, that we make sure that people in five-to-ten years can continue to see progress on housing, on infrastructure, so that if the economy does level off and we see some of the risks that are there crystallise, that we can continue to invest in social affordable housing and that we have that countercyclical buffer to support the future generations.”
With reporting by Christina Finn
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Will Fine Gael last that long?
Hopefully not. It’s up to the people to consider the alternatives. I will be voting for SF.
Tim Jackson is voting for sinn fein, the next FF/FG of Ireland. Get rid of FF/FG/Labour/SF, they are out of ideas and haven’t a clue! We need a new way, a new bunch of parties and new systems put in place! Get rid of the parties, I just mentioned and put them in the History books!
Between this and the Property tax and God knows what else, it will add to further downward pressure on property prices.
Whatever the merit of the 2 of them, they are only being used to pay back punitive debts that this state has no responsibility for, they are to protect the select few. This is Ireland and as long as people keep voting for FG/FF then they have no right to complain about poor services, lack of jobs, their children emigrating and dirty hospitals. When have those 2 parties ever been but an economic disaster for this country and a corrupt weight on our backs. ?
I’m tempted to put a bet on Fianna Fail getting back in.
Stephen murphy,
The left are a credible alternative. They wanted a write-down in our debt yet FG ruled-out any write-downs. That is the reason they want water charges.
SF are NOT the same as FF / FG / LAB.
New parties? I’d vote for New Ethical Party or People For Altruism.
I can understand your frustrations Tim and why you would be gravitating towards Sinn Féin. SF however won’t be much different than the current shower. They are a bit like the Tea Party in the USA; they haven’t got much of an agenda and they play on people’s fears and they tell the public what they think they want to hear.
Will the Euro last that long?
If SF got in the country would really be doomed. They are gangsters in suits and the leaders are responsible for murder, gun running etc. not to mention the latest ink jet printer stealing by that tug
andrew troy,
SF are growing in support from the Irish people due to a shower of FG / FF / LAB nutters who are allowing the top 10% to under-pay their taxes. The country will be better if SF win because the promissory note to Anglo Irish Bank would be burnt, the high wages of quangos cut, the property/water taxes abolished, the rich forced to pay their fair share, the guarding of national resources and a more fair budgetary policy that doesn’t favor the top 10%.
You seem to bang on about them consistently in your comments. I would be shocked if they ever get in but hey if that is what the majority votes for then fine, il go along with their crazy economics
Una Dev,
They are all the same Bird-Brains, their S*&T smells different!
Priory hall comes to mind when I think about SF. Why is that
@ stephen its not the parties we should get rid of ,just the corrupt b@57@rds thats are in them
This leaking rubbish is so handy for the Irish Europuppet government.
Means they’ll be doing nothing at all now (although it’s questionable that they ever did anything of any use).
The Eurotyrants have put their well paid financial dictatorship in place.
Banana Republic.
Leaked Brussels report seeks Dole cuts to long-term unemployed, & Leaked EU report: Water charges to kick in from January 2014
Both topics above reported on thejournal.ie
If the E.C.B gave back the billions Ireland paid out in the last 2 years no cuts would be needed. Ireland would be out of the hole it is in. You cannot have 1 rule for spain and italy and another for ireland. Those letters should be published for all to see.
@Barry Cummins, Sinn Fein did not build Priory Hall. I am fully aware of Tom Mc Feelys association with Sinn Fein in times past. But in recent times you’d find him hobnobbing with Michael Fingleton and his “Golden Circle”, they “built” Priory Hall by throwing him ridiculous amounts of money. It’s completely off topic, I might add, but I felt the need to reply!
The absolute height of disrespect AGAIN from Brussels. We are a laughing stock. The government needs to show balls here and cause an almighty stink within Brussels by hammering those leaking this info.
They are being leaked deliberately by Brussels and Berlin to show who is calling the shots.
You’re absolutely right barry. Why have none of these men got any balls?!
If I was that easily pushed over in my job I’d be gone!
Locally, in Ireland, it is better to withhold information and release these things in drip feed.
In Europe, they are not worried about Irish reaction so they just have big reckless mouths rather than power gaming.
The Irish government are practising what national governments do. Im not saying they are right though
They can’t show what they don’t have! Quite clearly, their balls now reside firmly in mrs merkle’s handbag.
“leaked”
Oh dear, oh dear.
Tim we know you will be voting Sinn Fein but why do you think you will be voting in a General Election before the end of 2014.? I hope your not suggesting a coup of some sort before then.!
“draft document”.
Oh dear.
The EU leaks as much as Ireland’s mains.
Q. What have the EU and Ireland’s water system got in common? A. They’re both full of leaks.
Excellent
Question: what percentage, if any, of the water charge will actually be ear marked to improve Ireland’s creaking water system?
This country is effing crazy. These eedjits seem to think people can produce cash from thin air! They haven’t even agreed on the formula for property tax. ( sorry I should say the mortgage tax) as it doesn’t apply to people renting a house, and they’re now rushing through water charges. You’d think that they wanted people to rise up or something. I say we should find a way to remove them, before we all starve to death!
0%
@rodrigo – not really a mortgage tax is it, seeing as people who’ve paid off their mortgage are also liable.
So now (as if we needed it) we have clear proof that Hogan doesn’t have a clue about his brief as a minister.
this guy is a clown of the highest order
Can we just get rid of the Dail because at this stage they’re the only ones not telling us what is going on.They think they’re “Mushroom Farmers”.
mushroom farmers?? keeping wveryone in the dark and fweding them shite??
Not you Matthew.:-)
Oh God I just heard Phil Hogan having a rant and trying to divide those who have paid hhc v those who haven’t! Would someone take him aside and tell him keep his gob shut! He has the social skills of a frozen head of broccoli!
Phil, I am pro a property tax. But I would not pay yours, why? We have our own septic tank, our own water supply, our road has grass growing in the middle of it, there are no lights within 4 miles of our house and the nearest park is roughly 10 miles away. You provide NO service to our house so until you come up with a logical, thought out, fair tax i’m afraid you can go swing with your bully boy ole Kilkenny guff you clown of a man!
We are ALREADY charged for water in this country, always have been. We pay taxes and the cost of supplying water is taken out of it. What is happening is not the introduction of water charges, it is the introduction of yet another crippling revenue stream to fill the gap left by the governent pilfering our taxes to cover bankers losses and appease the germans and ECB.
We are being robbed in the biggest act of mass theft we’ve even known.
how are they going to label the product. Will there be a reduction for e-coli and lead pipes
@joe dont forget the flouride and limescale
I’m assuming the pseudo socialists will refuse this too because:
a. ‘Snot fair.
b. Don’t wanna.
It looks like the opposition will trash FG ad FF in the next election. You can then willow in your populace like you previously mentioned. One less idiot in this country.
C. Most of the leaks are in the pipes getting to the households.
D. The cost of installing the meters will fall on the householder.
E. The establishment of one company is a prelude to privatisation (once there is a charge, it is an economic services must be opened up to competition, leading to cut throat business practices and cutting people off).
“You can then willow in your populace like you previously mentioned.”
???
so we should just keep paying outsider thought up taxes and charges while the rich and elite bare no pain and get richer and we get no respite for the fact were the only country with traitors in power seem to be singing to the eu mafias tune while our leaders go on all fours to meetings waiting for scraps off the table……..just have to love this deluded republic
Una Dev, FF are in opposition in case you missed it.
What does “You can then willow in your populace” actually mean?
A lot of people have red thumbed my querying the phrase so presumably they know what it means.
Wallow in your populism prehaps?not that hard to guess.
I’ve never wallowed in populism.
I’m not about populism (luckily enough).
Go take a leak hogan !
Water charges will be abolished if SF win the next election.
SF will be abolished, in the next election and/or ASAP!
If SF or any likewise parties get government next time, I’m leaking outta this country.
Wouldn’t be so sure about that Tim – being in power and having to balance the books is very different from just being able to stamp your feet from the opposition benches whenever you think there are votes in it….
If FG or FF get back in to poor then we might as well all leave. They are determined to rob the last coin from our pocket at this stage. Have no doubt that Micheal Martin, Enda Kenny and the rest will be well rewarded for their actions.
Michael,
You know where the Airport is. One less idiot in this country who won’t be missed. Off you go, you and your right-wing Mormons.
It’d almost be worth seeing SF in government so that they finally would have to deal with the legacy of their rampant populism when they realise that they don’t have a choice but to continue to slash spending, keep taxes up or introduce all the charges they constantly rail about. And it’d be fun on places like Journal watching the SF supporter twist and shout as they try to justify these decision or realise their heros were no different to any other party.
The simple fact is that the country is broke and even if we told the ECB/EU/IMF to get lost tomorrow, burned every single bondholder and left the Euro immediately, we’d still have to borrow billions from somewhere to balance our books as they currently stand. Can’t wait until we have to go back to the markets under an SF government and borrow at rates of around 10-15%. Or maybe SF will just sell the country to China or Russia to get the money.
Mattoid,
SF have the power to withdraw Ireland from the Euro straight-jacket. Then, we are in more control over our budgets without outside interference. Also, they would burn the promissory note and save the Irish state €30 billion.
@Tim What’s a right wing Mormon exactly? I thought you new and improved public house republicans/Shinners are now all cuddly caring and inclusive? SF will never be a part of government in this country, the vast majority will see to that…they were poisonous 90 years ago a threat to our fledgling state and they still are today. They care about no one but themselves and their own warped aims. I have said it before, they are the single biggest threat to democracy in this country….be careful what you wish for…
Jim,
SF would stand up to Europe otherwise we would default on Europes promissory note saving €30 billion and force Europe into a U-turn. SF would also cut fat public sector pay and downsize the government including the quangos. Another prospect would be a change to our constitution to enable the clawing back of gold plated pensions to retiree Taoiseachs, Ministers, CEO’s, etc. This will save the Irish state billions of taxpayer Euros.
Fine Gael took on more government workers since 2011, increasing the deficit. The country is NOT broke – corporations and the rich are under-taxed in Ireland. Always have been under FF and FG.
How did this turn into SF self gratification?!
@Tim
I think the recent enough episode with the circa €50,000 in printing costs which was so generously passed onto the already overburdened electorate, show Sinn Fein to be pretty much the same as all the rest.
No way in hell that they were going to repay that. Their representative did absolutely nothing wrong. But I suppose, they were just applying early their Marxist/ Socialist ideals.
They are at the moment an incredibly populist party, no more so than FF ate in opposition.
Brand me an idiot, or right wing Mormon if you wish. But in all your “arguments” I’ve yet to see you put forward a coherent argument. Name calling is not a viable option in any debate.
“Water charges will be abolished if SF win the next election” which is why they have already abolished them in the North where they already are in government………….oh wait!
@Eoin
Would this be the same way that they abolished the Property Tax by another name (Council Tax) in Northern Ireland? Oh wait…….
Tim look at Sinn Fein in the North…………..complete hypocrites with their nodding of agreement to every thing the Crown wants. Have a look at the equivalent of Property taxes up there and square that with their lies and dishonesty on the same subject South of the Border. Do you expect the Party of which you must be a member to bleed you any less in the South than they do in the North. Oops did I say bleed? That could be misunderstood as far as Sinn Fein is concerned. To cover the budgetary shortfall perhaps they’ll raid a few banks every day instead!
Eoin The Northern Assembly do not have Rateable Powers the rates for the north are set by the London Goverment. So no party in the north can do anything about them. Also in the north you get what you pay for, Schoolbooks, Schoolt ransport, Refuse colection, Emergency Services, Roads that don’t wreck your car etc etc. So your argument is pointless as the comparison is false.
Also, there are no water charges in the 6 counties thanks in part to SF led opposition. The right-wing con-men who replied don’t realize this. This year the top 10% of wealthy Ireland are underpaying their taxes by 42%, and they want to blame the poor and elderly.
I presume you are referring to Munster.
Don’t cod yourself
The bully boys of Brussels strike again !!
and phil boy rolls over again like his teacher boss little man from mayo…
And still no clarification for those on community water schemes and the like.
A lot of country homes will be going back to water tanks I imagine.
The future…….Irish Water privatised and owned by some French utility company circa 2017.
How can you be so evïan? :-p
So much for the old belief that everyone loves the Irish! The EU has nothing but utter contempt for us and for our so called leaders. Our cowardly Government have gone beyond kneeling to their masters, they are actually slithering around on their bellies, doffing their caps as they continue to drag the Irish people down into abject poverty. They should be held accountable for what they have done in burdening us with a debt that belongs, morally, legally and ethically to the banks. They should all be stripped of their outrageous salaries and pensions and forced out of office. They are a disgrace, every last one of them.
Absolutley..the government does not represent the sentiments of the people one iota!
June would you calm down …that horse has truly bolted and there wasn’t even a stable. There is no going back on any of this unless you want to have a standard of living akin to that of the 1920′s.
I’m tired of the whinging. It’s just tooooooo late.
Absolutely agree June! Not one member of this faux government has the cojones to change or fix any thing!!! Not another red cent! Real change and transparency! Lolololllolollll FG going down the toilet next GE.
New political parties needed. These eijits are stale, clueless, and are doing what theyre told because they havent a notion what to do themselves.
I agree Peter! Ireland needs a complete new system of government. We need a proper choice now! Just look at what’s on offer right now! FF a shower of criminals! FG a shower of petty crooks and cowards! Labour a shower of complete liars and small people! SF a shower of murderers with outdated Marxist policies! Socialist Workers a shower of gasbags that revealed their true colours during the Mick Wallace affair! Then we have a mish mash of self serving independents who couldn’t run a bath. What the f— did we do to deserve this lot?
rodrigo, people no longer have issues with SF’s past. They have transformed Ireland. Are you running out of excuses?
People have not forgotten Tim. People don’t forget about murderers and criminals.
Eh, there’s plenty of people who have issues with Sinn Fein’s past there lad! Their present & future as well!!
The only people who have issues with SF’s past are a minority of right-wing Mormons who use multiple ID’s on this Journal. Are you running out of excuses?
Nope Tim, just the one ID for me I’m afraid! I’d like to think I post regularly enough on here too, when appropriate of course! So because myself & ‘Toorkeel’ (above) took issue with your assumption that everyone has put Sinn Fein’s past behind them, it’s petty sniping at our avatars that your resorting to!! Fairly in keeping with some if Sinn Fein’s membership’s pasts I suppose! I’ll give you that!!
Same as that Tim, just the one ID for me…
Nuffsaid Thatsall,
You cannot hide your style of words. Anyone can see there multiple ID’s used by the right-wingers here.
Keep talking Tim Thumb, you’re costing SF votes with your Dictator type responses! Dictator Gerry Adams has declared a state of emergency and put his private army of militia’s in control, Death to anyone who doesnt bow before Gerry/Martin/MaryLou!
No Tim, I think you are confusing “multiple IDs” with the VAST MAJORITY” who don’t buy into the SF mantra lies and propoganda! Don’t kid yourself…I know the truth hurts sometimes…as a SF supporter, I suppose you mightn’t be used to truths! I had the pleasure of being in Cullaville and Crossmaglen last weekend for all of one hour, Sinn Fein heartland I suppose its fair to say. To say there is an eerie chill there is an understatement….it wasn’t from the weather either. If that is Sinn Feins idea of Ireland….a frightening and hellish prospect awaits this country if they ever took “power”.
Tim,Tim,Tim…..oh lord once more you make your regular appearance harping on about the ” super rich”. To those who can’t remember Tim’s super rich are any household earning more than 80k per annum. He wants these people taxed into exile May I also remind people that Tim is against people having children if they can’t afford them, and he wants the children’s allowance means tested. All this from a self proclaimed SF’er. My, My what a confused wee man you are.
Apologies Tim, was away there for the evening & missed the goings on for this thread!! E-mail notifications were pouring in so I assumed it was interesting stuff indeed!! What a let down that your contribution was to slate me for supposedly having multiple ID’s based on my ‘words’!! The other lads seem to have recognised your ratings & ravings from previous threads, can’t say I’ve noticed you myself, but look forward to healthy debates in the future!! That’s assuming the topic stay away from your beloved Sinn Fein! Think you’re on a hiding to none with them lads!!
Oh Tim you are always good for a laugh ! “right wing MORMONS” ha ha! And he doesn’t even realise what he has said.
There are actually about 2800 Mormons in Ireland. I don’t know what their political affiliations are.
I believe he is comparing FG and Enda Kenny in particular to Mitt Romney and his hell bent attempt to eradicate the middle class.
i think he might have meant ” morons ” ???
ah here we go again, water tax hmmm seems like the likely story of low income and council tenants dont have to pay again so we have to pay for them, seems like your better of a council tenant than actually owning your own house, how much more can we take, i am lucky to have 150 euros at end of month, and that covers petrol food for the month, fecking goverment should be looking at the most wealthy with there 6 bathrooms to my two……..
Class warfare won’t help.
Why aren’t you directing your anger towards the top 10% who aren’t paying their fair share of taxes. Corporations and the rich are using tax loopholes in the Netherlands to dodge taxes here. Also, corporation tax take is the lowest in western Europe. Before you claim this creates ‘jobs’ it doesn’t. Structural reforms create jobs.
I wouldn’t mind paying a small fee for water provided that the money went back into restoring our water system and getting rid of the leaks across the city. However this is not the case. This money will be shovelled into black holes of debt, never to be seen again.
History has shown the money you are willing to pay never goes into servicing infrastructure – it goes into the corrupt central government of Fine Gael and Labor.
They can feck off! Mains water coming into my house leaking for 2 + months. Reported to limerick country council several times. “We’ll send an engineer, but we only have 1″.
Still waiting limerick co co, still waiting ….
Don’t pay your household charge. They will simply squander it on their bloated wages. Looking forward to voting SF in the next election
Kenny for Ex-Taoiseach 2012.
If the leak is inside your boundary then you are liable for the repair and cost. The Council will only accept liability on public property.
Hope you havnt paid the HHC, I’d be pissed if I did only to find out I was liable AGAIN for fixing it?!?! Coco along with this sham of a government are beyond belief! I’m not paying until my water is fluoride, ecoli and lime free! And I will buying water kits to test if out!! FG out NOW!
How about fixing it urself buddy? Are you not able? Do you think its not ur job? It’s always someone else’s fault isn’t it??
We will get our water bill moan about it for a while then like all other sheep pay it and do nothing. This is the umpteenth austerity measure and what have we done? Nothing! A nation of sheep!
WELL SAID
The inspectors come and look at the Irish books,inquire as to the progress of certain projects and then go back to Europe and discuss their findings with whomever they feel is appropriate.Any business advantage gained by any company privy to this information is of course okay….or is it? It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I suppose if a French or German company happens to land a contract for the supply of…say the meters… It is just a coincidence….or is it.
I’m not entirely sure, but I think I heard that Siemens are having something to do with the meters?
Semen meters?Jaysus Ill have to cut down my usage…..
Google ‘ how to bypass a water meter’.
Tim, Una and any SF looney. Think that the Irish are so thick, they can’t see SF for what they are. Imagine if SF were in power, you think its bad now? We’d be doomed to a worse fate than Greece, I aint a lefty or a righty! I am about proper politics, a new system and a New Constitution. We wont get that with SF, we’d get a Disaster!
In fairness the rest have had their chance and made a right balls of it didn’t they, I’m willing to give them a chance as I gave Labour a chance…not willing to see FG/Labour or FF get another bite at the apple.
This new constitution and proper politics is a dream for us all but we need political will to force it through and the current crop of mainstream fools we are offered every GE will not surrender their place on the gravy train to readily.
Give SF their spin on the carousel, if they prove to be as sterile and inept as the current crowd then we can direct our ire towards them.
You are definitely a Righty.
How do you make that out, do you need to label me? So you can attack me, I am neither left nor right. I am for, what’s best for the people and Country. So don’t go put labels on people, so you can attack their opinions!
There’s no need to worry about this really, Ireland will be empty by January 2014; we’ll all have emigrated by then.
i dont mind paying it because I know how important water is.
But your money wont be paying for water, its paying for debt that isnt yours..just like the Household charge!Cant you see that??
The state has always provided water for the citizens…it is a basic right..yes a RIGHT for everyone..rich and poor to have access to clean drinking water.We are privileged to live in a first world nation and therefore water, the most basic of commodities, should be free.It is a symbol of a healthy nation.Start charging and the poor will not be able to afford water for cleaning, cooking and washing themselves never mind just drinking!!€3.75 billion going out to bondholders by the end of the year and not a word in mainstream media and yet they want to charge us, the average workers for water!!!
We can blame nobody but ourselves for the past 4 years of dilly dallying and government contempt for us because we are letting it happen and we sit idly by while our country is being taken over in a non violent coup d’etat.Foreigners (EU,Troika) are pillaging our finances with the help of local traitors (politicians!).We obviously don’t love our country because if we did, we would fight tooth and nail for something we love.We would stop everything,all workplaces would come to a halt, all buses and trains would stop, all teachers and doctors would strike and together we would all march and bring down this government or any government until we saw justice, equality and change to our country.
Ireland inst the mountains, the rivers, the lakes, the towns and villages…its the people and if they are silent and down-trodden then we don’t have a country, we need to stand up for ourselves and we need to do it now.
I’m not paying one more cent to the government and neither should anyone else because its going out of the country and repaying debts we just don’t owe.
I don’t mind paying either John….for stuff where I can see my contribution has made a difference.
For the past few years we’re paying higher and higher taxes and what have we got in return – NOTHING.
The country is in freefall socially and economically but who cares, keep taxing people, leave them with nothing.
A normal functioning country would offer something in return for higher taxes…what do we get – a shambolic health service, crap infrastructure and a pat on the back from the ones who forced these debts upon us – the b*****d EU/ECB who are adamant that they will get their pound of flesh to the detriment of a whole nation.
That’s great John. Presumably you have no water right now, but once the charges start it will magically appear from your taps. Hope you can hold out until then!
You will mind paying when it’s all been sold off to a private company,no doubt with a few ex ministers on its board, and you end up paying €50 a month for your water!
Many people don’t realize that tax cuts equal more debt. It’s like borrowing money and giving to the rich. If Kenny and Gilmore take over the 2014 budget be prepared for the tax burden to be shifted to the poor and middle class by eliminating most middle class tax deductions and creating a minimum earned income tax for the poor. Fine Gael also wants additional tax cuts for the wealthy and eliminating the capital gains tax which would allow Bono and Google to pay no taxes. This is the Blueshirts Way.
Again I’m sorry, but I feel I must point out that Ireland has had it easy and now’s the time to get real. I’ve been paying 25 euro per month (equivalent) for years for water in my small UK property. I was shocked a few years ago to learn that some people in Ireland were running water in the winter to prevent frozen pipes.
So what? Water charges and property taxes will be abolished if SF form part of the next government.
FG and FF want these stealth taxes to keep the top 10% from paying their fair share.
True Marian…if its free there must be loads of it…..reality is a bitch for some.
We pay enough taxes to ensure provision of clean water to our home which is a basic human right – access to clean water, this tax has nothing to do with water it’s to fill the bellies of bankers, bondholders and the unscrupulous few who have ruined this country.
Does anyone think that paying this additional tax will lead to cleaner less poisoned water?
Will it f**k.
Who cares ?! It doesn’t concern you then does it…
Well said Marian. The problem is we never really reached adulthood here. We still believe in Santa and the tooth fairy and all that sort of stuff. Even better that Party whose leader was a British MP for a while will boast that they will abandon these charges in the next election! Remind you of anything?
Mick there offering jobs on the daily edge, you’d be a shoo in for an elf, send them s CV.
There’s a few things I don’t believe in Mick….apart from the tooth fairy and Santa claus there’s the whole EU project, the whole spin that water metering is essential to preserve and purify our water, the ECB offering us a helping hand when politicians steered us into financial doldrums, every EU treaty being solely about economic stability and wealth and jobs for all…. and it’s only Irish people who leave a tap dripping to stop freezing.
All laughable.
Marian, we’ve had it easy have we? Yes you may have those water and property taxes in the UK, but wait a second, you also have a functioning health system, your government hasn’t saddled €35,000 to your neck and every other UK citizen to keep the Germans happy, your government hasn’t sold off your natural resources, your government hasn’t allowed ex failed politicians responsible for the ruin of this country sail into the sunset with golden handshakes. So please spare us the patronising old guff, telling us all how easy we have it, cause you’re just wrong! Compare apples with apples, not with turnips!
Get real. LOL, you really are a comedian Marian.
Not paying for this shite!
I can ill afford to pay my weekly bills and these bahstids want more money from me(and others in similar situation)WHY DOES NOBODY CARE AND ACCEPT EVERYTHING WITHOUT QUESTION????????
Two leaked documents in one day!! :O Someone in EU land is gonna be left out in the snow for that one!
Probably leaked at the behest of some of our own lot tbh. They’d rather these documents were leaked in order to make people believe that the matter is well and truly out of their hands, and also so that they don’t appear to be the bearers of bad news. No such things, imo; as a leak as far as the EU are concerned. Everything that happens has been carefully choreographed to have the least damaging effect on the status quo.
The government that are in power now and the ones who have bin there since before 2000 are owned by the banks they tell them what to do and the TDS jump…it’s time each and every one of them was put out of the government with no pension lik Bertie,s which is absolutely ridiculous…these people are making a complete mockery of Ireland they don’t give a shit about the country or the people in it it’s sickening at this point…it’s time a new system was put in place fresher people with actual ideas for the people should be inside instead of money grabbing hypocrites.
Guess who’ll be losing his seat in the next election..????????
@ Mick Collins. Considering the 1920′s came and went many, many decades before I was born, I will have to take your word on the extent of it’s austerity. However, as a disabled mother of two who has always worked and contributed, life in Ireland in this 21st Century is rapidly heading towards Third World status for the 99% who are being sucked dry by this corrupt Government and their cronies. I again say, they should be stripped of their outrageous salaries and pensions and driven out of office. It is NEVER tooooo late. Negative attitudes like that will keep us on our knees. I choose to remain positive and will calmly voice my opinion at every opportunity.
This Govt makes me physically sick. Is there any real difference between wrong and right in this Country any more?
We have a Govt that want to rob people of their freedom and charge them through the teeth as they do it.
Imagine being charged for the simple fact that you own property. What the hell does that have to do with the Govt? Are we not already paying taxes, doing more for less, getting less while the wealthy get wealthier?
We are seeing cover up after cover up, being told lie after lie by shit heads that are on huge money and seem to look down on the people that they are being paid to serve (just like the Gardai).
One set of rules for the Govt and the Wealthy, another for everyone else. Democracy in Ireland? Never happened. Republic of Ireland? I don’t think we were ever a Republic? Fighting Irish? The fight is long since gone out of us. But once the Bondholders are happy and we are gaining confidence in the markets again, I suppose that’s the main thing. I would hate to think that some wealthy businessman was not making millions as we all get slowly shafted.
Our Politicians in this Country are nothing more than Con Men in suits.
Sunk my own well, have to look after my own water, Will not be paying it! I wonder will they accept payment of pebbles for all these new taxes, there is plenty of them out on my road.
LOL i dont blame you 1 bit :)
when are people going to WAKE UP to the fact that we DO NOT have any government it is only e regional goverernment that allowed to play at being politicians by the FRANCO/GERMAN EU policy makers
our so called minesters are a to use the word are a THUNDERING DISGRACE well i used 2 so shoot me
the pic at the start of this artical says it all OOOPS i never ment for dear auld direland to know this
@Barry Cummins, Sinn Fein did not build Priory Hall. I am fully aware of Tom Mc Feelys association with Sinn Fein in times past. But in recent times you’d find him hobnobbing with Michael Fingleton and his “Golden Circle”, they “built” Priory Hall by throwing him ridiculous amounts of money. It’s also completely off topic, I might add. But I felt the need to reply.
Take the Floride out and make it safe drinking water and i will think about paying
i will not pay for you to poison my family
i get 100% of my drinking water from a well
Direct Democracy Ireland ASK THE PEOPLE
WE NEED OUT OF EUROPE
They can fek off! Mains water coming into my house leaking for 2 + months. Reported to limerick country council several times. “We’ll send an engineer, but we only have 1″.
Still waiting limerick co co, still waiting ….
EEC yours is our disgrace.
have your say