Nothing to worry tax exile Bono, says SF
Sinn Fein Economic spokesman Arthur Morgan arrives at Leinster House for Budget Day yesterday
SINN Fein accused the Government of failing the budget leadership test by not cracking down on tax exiles such as U2's Bono.
The party's economic spokesman Arthur Morgan said the Government had not delivered on its promise to look after the most vulnerable and ensure that high earners paid their fair share.
"Denis O'Brien and Bono, two of our biggest tax exiles, will not be perturbed by this budget. Bono's concern for Africa is laudable, but it is a pity he does not share the same concern for the people in this State," he said.
However, Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue reminded him he was not allowed to "cast aspersions" on people outside Leinster House.
Mr Morgan continued by criticising the failure to dip into the €20bn National Pension Reserve Fund for infrastructural investment and the "totally unacceptable" cut of 30pc in the affordable housing budget.
Like Labour and Fine Gael, Mr Morgan also criticised Mr Lenihan's income levy. He said that while it was positive to have a 2pc rate for those earning above €100,000, the 1pc rate for those below this levy was regressive. "It is almost a flat tax. The increase of the 21pc VAT rate by 0.5pc is also regressive. It will hit low income families," he said.
- Michael Brennan
