Enda Kenny and Gerry Adams clash on upcoming budget

There were sharp exchanges between the Taoiseach and the Sinn Féin leader on next week’s budget.

Enda Kenny told Gerry Adams that Sinn Féin had done nothing substantial to help the economies North and South. "You should change your tune.''

Mr Adams said austerity was not working, and the Government had a chance to change that in the budget.

“You should use the budget to turn the ship, to protect citizens, as opposed to following the diktat of the European leaders or, indeed, your own ideological position.’’

He said that while those on the live register, those forced to emigrate and the growing numbers waiting for hospital services did not create the crisis, they were carrying the burden.

Mr Adams said next week’s budget would be the seventh austerity measure if the Government, as appeared likely, did not listen. “It has taken €30 billion out of the economy. People need a break, and in your hearts-of-hearts you must know that.’’

He said the budget could reduce the tax burden on ordinary families, protect public services and invest in jobs.

Mr Kenny said Sinn Féin wanted a 40 per cent capital gains tax rate which, if implemented, would mean no company coming to this country to start up.

He said Sinn Féin’s proposal to increase employers’ PRSI would literally mean a tax on jobs.

“Deputy Adams comes into this Chamber and speaks of the necessity to create jobs. Sinn Féin has opposed every single measure of the last three years and now it conveniently forgets all of that.’’

Mr Kenny said Mr Adams hated to see people coming into Ireland having independently concluded that it was a country in which to invest.

Mr Adams said the Taoiseach was not listening.