Gilmore brands Taoiseach 'either a fool or a liar'
TAOISEACH Brian Cowen is either a "fool or a liar" when it comes to his past handling of the country's finances, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has said.
In his strongest attack yet on the Taoiseach, Mr Gilmore claimed the former Finance Minister should be held responsible for the economic downturn.
"He was finance minister for four years before becoming Taoiseach. If he didn't know there was a major slump on its way, then he is a fool," he said.
"If Cowen did know there were economic hard times around the corner, then he lied to the Irish people. The last Budget, which he was responsible for, indicated there would be a modest downturn.
"Which is worse? Being a fool or being a liar? Hopefully the people will get a chance to decide that in upcoming elections."
The attack followed the publication of figures suggesting that the shortfall in tax revenues could exceed €5bn. Mr Gilmore said "the dogs on the street know about economic cycles.
"Brian Cowen never made any allowances for this eventuality . . . Can we trust someone who is so incompetent?"
Mr Gilmore added that while he has "high regard" for Tanaiste Mary Coughlan, she made a big mistake when she indicated there might be Budget incentives for first-time buyers.
"Those who were planning to buy will rightfully adopt a wait-and-see attitude," he said.
Mr Gilmore called the early Budget a "con job".
"The announcement of the October Budget is just window dressing," he said.
"It's a complete con job because none of the measures will be put through in legislation until January next year, which is exactly what happens when the Budget is announced in December."
- Siobhan Mulcahy
