Martin warns 'no room' for tax cuts

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Photo: Mark Condren

Cormac McQuinn

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has warned that there is "no room for a dramatic expansion of spending or cutting of taxes" in the Budget.

He said this was due to the "genuine uncertainty" about the international economic climate. He also complained Fine Gael was not providing clarity on the State's finances, despite formal arrangements with the Government that his party would be kept in the loop. He claimed there had been "spinning" rather than transparency.

In recent weeks, his party has been seeking details of the funds that will be available in the Budget.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said details of the sums available won't be tied down until the Summer Economic Statement.

Mr Martin made his remarks in a speech to the Small Firms Association. He said he hoped there wouldn't be a repeat of what he described as months of "hype" that was "wildly disproportionate to what was delivered" in last year's Budget. He said: "This distorts expectations and distracts from serious discussions."