SF: Govt must not cut back on public services
Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan has launched his party’s 2009 Budget priorities which concentrate on delivering a sound economy based on job creation, social inclusion and fair taxation.
Mr Morgan said: "Despite the current economic difficulties, Sinn Féin believes that the economy can be turned around. We believe that it is absolutely essential that the Government uses the next twelve months to tackle the ongoing financial crisis and the construction sector collapse.
Mr Morgan said the Government has to restore confidence and develop sound industries, "particularly the indigenous export sector" and build an equitable social welfare process, while creating "a fair and progressive taxation system".
"These policies will get the economy back on track," he said.
"Sinn Féin will support measures that can deliver a sound economy based on job creation, social inclusion and fair taxation. The Government cannot revert to type and fall back on short-sighted cuts in public services that will do lasting damage.
"Budget 2009 offers the Government the opportunity to take the first steps on the road to economic recovery.
"Our proposals aim to stabilise and re-invigorate the economy, prioritise job creation, address the massive shortfall in public finances, deal with the needs of low and middle-income earners facing cost-of-living pressures and provide solutions for those who have become unemployed or who face unemployment."
