Proper Plan Need Over Possible 'Brexit'.

Attn newsdesk
23-2-2016
Statement by Liam Coyne

Liam Coyne says now is not the time for generous tax cuts for the rich as Ireland faces huge uncertainty over a potential Brexit.

Liam, he Social Democrat’ Candidate for Dublin South Central, asks the question has the outgoing Government really planned for a future with our biggest trading partner opting to go outside of the European Union.

If returned to power or if FG unite with FF can the Irish people be confident that they can prepare us for the eventuality of a Brexit. Based on the evidence to date the answer to that question is a resounding “No!”.
“Already we have seen a short sharp drop in the strength sterling which is not good news for Irish exporters to the UK, nor is good news for the Irish tourism industry. The drop also makes visiting Ireland that little bit more expensive for British tourists,” Liam said.

“Are we really prepared enough to deal with the UK being outside of the EU? If there is a shock to the Irish economy are we properly insulated so we can cope without having to back to the sort austerity we have already seen imposed on our people?”

“We in the Social Democrats have told the Irish public that now is not the time for generous tax cuts for the “haves” in Irish society,” Liam continued.

Our joint leader Stephen Donnelly TD has been exceptionally strong on this issue throughout the campaign. Due to the cataclysmic destruction of our economy presided over by the Fianna Fail-Green administration we need to preserve our tax base so we have some insulation in times of economic uncertainty.

This model has served other countries in Europe well, and it is time it was properly introduced here.

“We don’t believe that tax cuts, like the abolition of the USC, promised by Fine Gael, which Labour and FF will happily implement should be carried”.

“Our economy cannot take another hit. Public services like health, housing education and transport cannot sustain any more austerity,” said Liam .

Liam was commenting as Sterling headed towards its biggest loss in several years against the Euro and the US Dollar in Monday’s markets as traders homed in on speculation of a British exit from the European Union.

The weaker pound lifted UK blue chip stocks and London’s stock markets, however, were up more than 1 percent. The fall was largely sparked by London Mayor Boris Johnson’s decision to join the out campaign.

“This volatility is not unexpected and will continue over the coming months right up to the June referendum itself,” said Liam.

“What is happening in relation to the UK is something we need to prepare for. We will no doubt continue to trade and do business with the UK should it leave. What we need is a clearly set out game plan.”

” Can FF FG and Labour give the Irish people the confidence that Ireland is fully prepared for a Brexit?”

“It seems to us that the FG/Lab government’s belief everything is rosy in the garden is falling to pieces before a vote is cast. Or perhaps Enda and his minions think we in the Social Democrats are just whingers” added Liam.

Ends.