Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The contrast between the Government's sensitivity for those at the top is in stark contrast to its treatment of those in the lower income brackets. It persists with the farce of taxing the family home at a time when almost 200,000 families find themselves in mortgage distress. There was a time when Fianna Fáil was rounded on by Fine Gael and the Labour Party, when in opposition, for protecting golden circles. It is now very clear that Deputies Gilmore, Quinn and others are pursuing the same approach from the comfort of their ministerial offices.

Public and civil servants have had their dose of tough medicine over the last series of budgets and the Haddington Road agreement is just the latest instalment in cuts and increased working hours for those workers charged with delivering essential services. Doing more with less is how the Government spins it.

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