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TENS OF thousands of workers took to the streets yesterday in an Irish Congress of Trade Unions-inspired “day of protest” against the Government’s budgetary strategy, particularly plans to cut the public sector pay and pensions bills by €1.3 billion in the December budget. The anger of the marchers was understandable. They are not responsible for the dire economic circumstances now facing the State. But the Government mismanaged the economy, is now broke and simply cannot afford to pay its bills. The level of borrowing for day-to-day spending is such that, should it continue unchecked, the prospects for an early economic recovery would be grim.

Transferring blame and responsibility will not serve. Every citizen has a duty, in this grave crisis, to support one another for the common good. The poorest and the most vulnerable deserve maximum protection. After that, individuals should be asked to contribute according to their means. That will mean a broadening of the tax base; the removal of tax shelters and the establishment of a more equitable system. In the meantime, however, the Government has to deliver on its commitment to the EU Commission to reduce expenditure by €4 billion next year.