SF accuse Kenny of distracting public and media over election

Sinn Féin has claimed that Taoiseach Enda Kenny is trying to distract politicians and media by toying with the idea of a November election.

The party launched its pre-budget submission on Thursday calling for the abolition of water charges and property tax.

Finance spokesman Pearse Doherty, a member of the banking inquiry, said he would like to see the committee finish its work.

“All the debate around the election is a complete distraction. I think they are spinning the media and others. There are far more headlines written about whether the election will be in November or February in comparison to people who have died on our streets,” he said.

Mr Doherty said his party is preparing legislation that could remove the power of the Taoiseach to call an election.

He said it would be a process similar to the United Kingdom when the date is fixed and a vote is called every five years.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams also denied a general election would destabilise the Stormont talks in Northern Ireland.

The Democratic Unionist Party's Jeffrey Donaldson has warned an early election could spell the end for the talks on welfare changes.

‘Nonsense’

But Mr Adams said this was "nonsense".

The party is proposing an increase in tax paid on income above €100,000 by seven per cent.

It will abolish property charges at a cost to the exchequer of €440 million and it will end water charges to save €210.5 million.

The pre-budget submission does not propose any reduction in income tax and signals the party will not move to abolish the Universal Social Charge.

However, Mr Doherty insisted the scrapping of the two flat taxes will leave most people better off.

“In budget 2016 Sinn Féin will invest €1.7 billion in public services and an additional €400million in capital infrastructure.

“We will stop water charges and abolish the family home tax. Our proposals include a net tax increase of €295million.

“Sinn Féin’s budget measures prioritise fair taxation and investment in public services. We believe the five per cent who earn the most should contribute more, so that the necessary investments in critical frontline services can be made to the benefit of all.”

Sinn Féin proposes an increase of €1 in the minimum wage, a €325 restoration of the respite care grant, an increase in the fuel allowance and a restoration of the bereavement grant.