PRESS RELEASE

26/05/2003

FF Document Outlines Opposition Election Promises Opposition “Splurge Economics” A Threat to Prosperity

Fianna Fáil has today launched a document entitled “What They Said At The Election” and commenting on the document Deputy Government Chief Whip, Cork North Central Deputy Billy Kelleher T.D. stated that opposition parties `splurge economics` would leave Ireland an economic basket-case.

“The concerted effort over the last year to convince people that they were misled by Fianna Fáil is in reality rooted in the continuing political bankruptcy of Fine Gael and Labour. The policies put to the people by Fine Gael and Labour during the election would have returned Ireland to where they left it when they last enjoyed a full term in Government in the 1980's. They would have plunged Ireland back into a downward spiral of borrowing for current spending of job losses and of emigration.”

Deputy Kelleher said: “ A year ago Fine Gael made €8 billion worth of election pledges. Implementation of these promises would have robbed Ireland of its economic prosperity and delivered only debt and unemployment.”

“Labour's election promises would have increased the National Debt by more then 50%. It's pledge to push through its promises even if the economy dipped indicates a clear disregard for the long term health of the economy.”

“Since the election Labour and Fine Gael's only contribution to political debate in this country has been to bang the drum of discontent. They have produced few constructive policies and the continued suggestion by both parties that the government parties lied is a sorry attempt to rewrite recent history. It is an attempt to whitewash the fact that they treated the general election like an auction. They were prepared to auction off the family silver. They were prepared to take the brasses off the door, to take the door the binges and to flog the lost.”

“For twelve months now these Parties have backed higher spending on every budgetary subhead = without concern for the increased taxation borrowing and deficits which these decisions necessarily entail.”

“Fianna Fáil in Government is taking tough decisions on spending now to maintain economic prosperity. That's exactly what we are going to do, our prosperity depends on it,” concluded Deputy Kelleher.