Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, today (Thursday) said restoring trust in politics is key if Ireland is to be able to re-position itself as one of the best performing small countries in the world.
“If there is to be any hope of undoing the damage inflicted by the previous administration, political accountability and transparency must be put front and centre of how Government conducts its business. This Fine Gael/ Labour Government is committed to doing just that.
“This Government is not yet three months old and already a raft of changes has been implemented to ensure that the way forward is set from the top. Cuts to Ministers’ wages, an end to automatic entitlement to State cars and severance pay for Ministers have all set the tone for the new Government’s agenda.
“Job creation is also at the core of this Government’s actions. We have already seen the restructuring of the banking sector and the creation of two new pillar banks as an important plank of Government policy. A reversal in the cut to the minimum wage, a reduction in employers’ PRSI and initiatives such as the €3,000 ‘finder’s fee’ for every job identified demonstrate the Government’s commitment to getting people back to work and assisting the employment sector.
“It is equally important that we protect the homeowner and the ordinary citizen. The chosen few can no longer be allowed to dictate policy in this country. The common good of our citizens must be at the heart of government.
“The vision, leadership and responsibility of this, and any, Government is about ending emigration, creating jobs, protecting homeowners and the most vulnerable in society. We are not in an easy place. A recovery will not be led by developers or bankers, but by all citizens. It will be led by the Government through rewarding entrepreneurship, through our export-led recovery, through tourism and agriculture.
“People do not want to be kept in the dark like they were under the previous Government. The time has come to be honest, fair and upright with the people. I challenge all Members of the House to ensure that this is the case.”