"The longer Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are in power the worse things have become," thunders the introduction to the Sinn Féin Alternative Budget.The 47-page document certainly provides a detailed insight into how the party proposes to undertake that change.
The Coalition is also considering plans to increase the minimum wage, increase a rent credit and help mortgage holders On core social welfare, the Coalition plans to increase the weekly payment by around €12 a week.However, Labour advocates at least a €20 increase in core social welfare; the Social Democrats want €25; while the Rural Independents demand a €30 hike.
Housing spokesperson Eoin O’Broin claimed at the Sinn Féin budget news conference that the Government was"taking our rhetoric" on the issue.The Coalition argues that the tax must increase to fund future fundamental change - like retrofitting. As part of a dual approach, the party has allocated nearly a quarter of a billion euro to speedily reduce"the cost of healthcare to workers and families".The Fine Gael press office went into overdrive on publication of the Alternative Budget, claiming the"punitive" plan to double stamp duty"beggars belief".