LABOUR-FINE GAEL ROW:FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny last night criticised the Labour Party for resorting to negative tactics but refused to be drawn on whether the row between the two parties would affect their capacity to work in any future government together.
Mr Kenny said there was no disputing the fact that the Labour Party was a high tax party with its 50/50 split between curbing public expenditure and raising taxation to bridge the deficit between exchequer expenditure and revenues.
“I am disappointed that the Labour Party have descended to this level of activity [newspaper advertisements attacking Fine Gael policies],” said Mr Kenny as he arrived at a Fine Gael rally at Morans Silversprings Hotel in Cork last night.
“The Labour Party has had the same length of time as the Fine Gael party to prepare for this election – they know that their figures in respect of taxation do not add up. They are now a high tax party.”
Asked if the row between Fine Gael and Labour had now become so acrimonious as to threaten the possibility of the two parties working together in a coalition arrangement, Mr Kenny did not give a direct reply.
“I’m looking for a strong and stable government with a clear mandate and that’s obviously a decision for the people to make on the 25th and I don’t ever look beyond that point – the people will make the decision in their own time,” he said.
Mr Kenny was given a standing ovation when he outlined the party’s five-point plan for economic recovery. “My plan is about going around the country and getting our people back to work – that’s what the big message is and Fine Gael’s five points are all linked together to shift the direction of our country and give people hope and confidence.
“Most of all we want to provide jobs and employment and the reception here tonight with such a huge crowd has been replicated around the country and shows clearly there is support for our plan.”