Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

The Sinn Féin Party does not come to this debate with clean hands either. Few believe its rhetoric on the household charge in this State when it demands on average the equivalent of €1,500 per household in the North. Is this not evidence of a partitionist mentality? Deputy Stanley should front up. His MLAs and councillors in the North are happy to suck over £1,000 out of three-bed semis in Newry and spend the money with vigour.

I also noted Deputy Stanley wondered aloud last night about what James Connolly might think of the Labour Party today. There are too many people on that side of the House who have an unhealthy interest in what James Connolly is doing in his grave. I suggest, however, the founder of the Labour Party could tell the difference between a bunch of power hungry populists and a party focused on giving the people back their self-respect and dignity. It is the toughest set of circumstances any Government in the history of State has inherited. The party of Connolly has maintained social welfare rates, restored the minimum wage and removed 330,000 people from the grip of the universal social charge. It does not posture, pontificate and sanctimoniously lecture everyone. It does not tell them there are easy options when there patently are not.

I recognise the difficulties imposed by this interim charging system. If we did not, we would be blind and stupid. I look forward to the Sinn Féin Party and Mahatma Boyd Barrett ditching their cynicism and proving their socialist credentials in joining in the support for moves towards a progressive, fair and equitable property taxation system in the future, away from flat charges. It is fair to say, however, we will not be holding our breath on that.

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