At that time, inflation was approximately 21% and personal tax rates were 40% and 65%. When Fianna Fáil returned to power in 1987, Ireland had a higher per capita debt than Ethiopia and Sudan. I am confident that with Fianna Fáil at the helm, we will not go back to the 1980s. The Taoiseach has been the subject of much criticism from the Opposition over recent weeks, as the budgets over which he presided were held up to scrutiny.

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