Munster Express Online

Martin Cullen

The Government’s supplementary Budget was ‘tough, but fair’ according to Fianna Fáil Waterford TD Brendan Kenneally.  

“There’s no doubting that this was a very tough Budget,” said Deputy Kenneally.  

“However what I was glad to see is that it is a progressive Budget. The best off in Irish society will be those who will pay the most. Those who reaped the most rewards from the Celtic Tiger will be asked to take the biggest hit in setting the economy back on track.”

Deputy Kenneally believes the vulnerable were not attacked by the decisions reached by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan.

“Social welfare has been protected in the Budget. Pensioners will not have to take the burden. Neither will carers or those receiving other social welfare payments. Children’s benefit will also remain at current levels for the time being.

“This Budget has been tough but fair.  It has spread the pain throughout most sections of Irish society but ultimately it is those who earn the most who will pay the most.  

Those who can best afford to pay will do so.”

He added: “It’s not a great situation to be in but the reality is that the worldwide economic downturn has had a huge impact on this country. We need to take corrective action now so that we can fix the economy.  

“Everyone is being asked to do their bit.  We are all in this together and everyone has to make sacrifices.

It’s not ideal but I have every confidence that this will bring the economy around at the earliest possible opportunity.”