Fianna Fail’s Republican Budget

Brian Cowen‘s Ard Fheis speech was rich in republican rhetoric of community, sharing and neighbourliness. The theme is underlining his approach to the budget and most major strategies for economic recovery. Today again he reiterates the point being laboured by Cowen and Lenihan that everyone has to pay their way – from bottom to top – their own model of republicanism. It raises a few questions though – if tax shelters are left untouched and everyone is exhorted to their patriotic duty to contribute something to the kitty – but in advance of April 1 that is all speculation.

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has repeated that “everybody” will have to make a contribution as the Government prepares its latest attempt to stabilise the public finances.

Mr Cowen accepted the need for an emergency budget earlier this week after his Government had repeatedly ruled out such a move.

The budget, due to be unveiled in early April, is likely to include sweeping spending cuts and increases in income taxes.

Speaking a business function in Dublin today, Mr Cowen said the Government would ensure that people would be taxed according to their ability to pay.