Noonan says Fine Gael's economic stimulus plan not credible

FINE GAEL’S new spokesman on finance Michael Noonan has said he does not believe his party’s economic stimulus plan, “NewERA”, could create 105,000 jobs.

Party leader Enda Kenny told the Fine Gael national conference in March that 105,000 jobs would be delivered under the plan – prepared by then spokesman on communications, energy and natural resources Simon Coveney – within Fine Gael’s first term in office.

Yesterday Mr Noonan said he was “aware” the party’s website said the plan would create that number of jobs, but added: “Quite frankly I don’t believe it would.” He suggested the figure was added on to the report by “enthusiastic” public relations personnel.

“Simon Coveney was the author of that particular policy document and if you look at it, the figure of 100,000 jobs doesn’t appear anywhere in it; that seems to be some kind of a public relations add-on that enthusiastic people attached to it,” he said.

Speaking on Newstalk's Breakfast Show, Mr Noonan said Fine Gael was in the process of reviewing all its policies "as we go along". He added: "I'm only in the job a week yet." Mr Noonan had been discussing the findings of the Economic and Social Research Institute report on the jobs market.

Fianna Fáil Minister of State for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary last night claimed Fine Gael’s economic policy was “in tatters” and said Mr Noonan had “publicly rubbished” the strategy.

“This is despite the fact that the party has launched the policy document with great fanfare no less than three times, with party leader Enda Kenny repeatedly endorsing it.”

In his leader’s address to the Fine Gael national conference on March 22nd, Mr Kenny said: “Simon’s NewERA plan will create over 105,000 jobs.” Mr Kenny also said the jobs would be delivered within Fine Gael’s first term in government.