Martin tells TDs not to make empty budget promises

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has told his TDs they must stand by public sector workers and end unfairness for new entrants.

Mr Martin called a compulsory extended meeting of his front bench yesterday morning in what was described as the first in a series in preparation for the budget.

The difficulties in the housing market and the public sector pay commission were discussed at the lengthy meeting, during which it is understood Mr Martin moved to dampen the party’s expectations ahead of the budget.

He told the meeting the full implications of Brexit were unknown, and would not become clear until early September.

He urged TDs to be careful when engaging in media interviews next month not to create unrealistic expectations about what his party could secure in the budget.

Mr Martin told his front bench not to promise anything that could not be delivered in October.

The Government has said it will have about €600 million for new spending plus €250 million for capital spending in October’s budget.

Three years

Fianna Fáil has agreed to support the Fine Gael-led minority Government for three years. The first two budgets will be relatively tight, but European Union fiscal rules will give greater leeway in a third budget. However, it is anticipated Fianna Fáil will be in a position to influence the package.

Mr Martin told the party not everything they wanted could be achieved within one budget. However, he said Fianna Fáil needed to ensure fairness in the delivery of public services.

Mr Martin insisted the party must be on the side of public sector workers, and urged TDs to make themselves “very aware” of the issues and concerns of gardaí, nurses and teachers.

The Cork South-Central TD pointed to unequal pay for new entrants into the public sector, and called on the party to stand by them on this issue.

Housing

It is understood a number of TDs raised concerns about the party’s position on housing, including communications spokesman

Timmy Dooley

and transport spokesman

Robert Troy

.

Mr Dooley is said to have asked why the party was supporting measures that would see local authorities bypassed over planning permission for large housing estates.

Mr Troy questioned why the party would back proposals that would halve the number of dwellings built by developers for social and affordable housing to 10 per cent.

Fianna Fáil has seen a significant increase in popularity since the election, with the latest Irish Times/MRBI poll showing the party's support on 33 per cent.