An opinion poll published today vindicates the Government's economic policy, according to Fianna Fáil TD Mr Pat Carey.
The Irish Times/TNS MRBI poll shows 48 per cent of respondents believe the Government should cut public spending rather than increase borrowing or taxes to balance the public finances.
In a strong rebuttal to Opposition claims that the electorate were lied to at the last general election, Mr Carey said the party's election pledges on the economy had been honoured and still had the support of the public.
"Fianna Fáil fought last year's general election based on the pledge to borrow less and spend less than other parties while keeping taxes low. The Irish people agreed with these policies then and today's Irish Times/TNS MRBI poll confirms they continue to agree with them now," Mr Carey said.
He said Fine Gael and Labour policies during the election would have returned Ireland the dark days of the 1980s. "They would have thrust Ireland back into a downward spiral of borrowing, high taxes, job losses and emigration," Mr Carey said.
The poll asked how existing public services and capital projects should bne paid for given the current economic climate. The poll showed 29 per cent favoured increased borrowing while 9 per cent preferred tax increases.
The Government will also be encouraged by the finding that spending cuts were favoured by all age groups, social classes, regions. Those to loyal to parties other than the Government were also found to support spending cuts.