Fianna Fáil TD challenges Gilmore's seats prediction

LABOUR PARTY leader Eamon Gilmore’s prediction that the party would return a TD in each of the 43 constituencies was yesterday described as “fantasy” by Fianna Fáil.The party’s TD for Limerick West Niall Collins claimed Labour had a dearth of policies and that people would focus on that when a general election was called.

“Mr Gilmore claimed that the party had produced 45 policies, but they don’t have any substance.With such a deficit of policies coming from Labour, that will be reflected in the vote,” he said.

Mr Collins also said he would be prepared to wager Mr Gilmore on his contention that the party would win 50 seats.

“It’s the same story, just rhetoric. He has not produced substantive policy statements.”

Fianna Fáil was one of several parties which responded yesterday to Mr Gilmore's interview with The Irish Times, in which he categorically ruled out a coalition with Fianna Fáil and also committed his party to the target imposed by the European Commission that requires Ireland to reduce the Government deficit to 3 per cent by 2014. To that end, he said he agreed that €3 billion in savings are required in the next budget.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said Mr Gilmore is “contradicting himself” by calling for the removal of Fianna Fáil and then supporting that Government’s economic strategy.

“He is backing €3 billion in cuts in the next budget and supports the target date of 2014 for reduction of State debt to 3 per cent.

“This is a recipe for savage cuts in the next three years. Instead we need a longer timeframe and targeted investment to grow the economy and jobs,” he said.

Green Party finance spokesman Senator Dan Boyle was sceptical of Mr Gilmore’s assertion that his party backed the cuts.

“I do not believe a word of it. Every tax increase and cut that has been proposed by the Government has been opposed by Labour. There is a ‘magic bean’ nature about Labour’s economic policies,” he said.

Mr Boyle also claimed Labour’s approach to the stag hunting ban was deeply cynical. He said that Labour was also going to oppose the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill but after getting a “roasting” over its stance on stag hunting, it had then done a volte face on the second piece of wildlife legislation.

Mick Barry of the Socialist Party also criticised Labour support for €3 billion in exchequer savings.

Mr Barry, a councillor based in Cork city, said Mr Gilmore’s endorsement of cuts would result in “further attacks on public sector workers, public services and an increase in tax burden for working people”.