Sir, – John McKeown predicts that Sinn Féin will abolish the universal social charge (USC) if and when it gets into government (Letters, June 14th). He may have forgotten that when Fine Gael proposed such action in the 2016 election, Sinn Féin bitterly opposed the move, saying that the national exchequer needed the income accruing from this measure. Of course, it is possible that Sinn Féin has now changed its position on the USC, given that it has changed its policy on neutrality, Russia and the Special Criminal Court, to name just a few of its adjustments.
After all, it presents itself as the party of “change”. – Yours, etc,
MARGARET LEE,
Newport,
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Co Tipperary.
Sir, – John McKeown boldly predicts that the current Government must dispose of USC in the next two budgets to stand any chance of re-election.
On the fiscal side, although we are technically “rich” and awash with tax revenues, we just do not have predictability around future tax revenue levels particularly, though not exclusively, on corporation tax.
Cutting or abandoning USC would cost the exchequer up to €5 billion per year and that is €5 billion less available to be spent on public services, social welfare, and so forth.
Sinn Féin isn’t really bothered about attracting further support from lower-income voters because that is their core support, after all.
It need to become more amenable and more presentable to middle-class and even, dare I say it, upper-class voters – so cutting USC is not that appealing or decisive in a future election, where winning votes from the higher-income groups will be crucial.
Regarding the recent Fine Gael-led championing of taxation cuts in the upcoming budget, are people seriously enticed by or interested in pretty marginal gains on after-tax income, ahead of other pressing priorities such as access to childcare, infrastructure projects, high educational costs and patchy general public service provision?
Let us remember that taxation pays for services for our citizens! – Yours, etc,
KEVIN NEWMAN,
Dublin 11.