Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply which is helpful. It gives us an indication of the direction he is taking. It is important to state it does not reference the abolition of the universal social charge, USC, in the immediate future, despite the fact that it was the major slogan in his party's campaign. Credibility is very important in politics. When a party sets out to do something and changes course, it is important that it explain the reason. It has been explained somewhat in the reply. I am keen to note the Minister of State's emphasis on income tax reform. That is an important issue that needs to be monitored and discussed. The Minister of State's party sought a mandate from the people to govern on the basis that it would abolish USC. I will take the time to send him the pictures I mentioned because they are extraordinary. They show jubilation among candidates not yet elected to Dáil Éireann and others who had sought re-election, all of whom were elected. They include the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan. This was their central message. When a party goes before the people with a central message, it is very important that it deliver on it.