There is an alternative to Cuts
We recognise the harsh realities of our present economic situation but - there is an alternative to cuts. There is a better, smarter, fairer way to tackle our problems as a nation.
- We are experiencing an unprecedented economic crisis.
- We are borrowing €500m a week to balance the Exchequer
- We know and agree that changes and tough decisions must be made
- Cutting frontline services and supports such as education is not the way to do this
- We support the elimination of waste in any public service and the introduction of efficiencies but not at the expense of quality.
We have been railroaded into thinking that cuts to our public services is the only way to tackle our economic deficit. Within significant elements of the media there has been relentless vilification of public servants and a cynical attempt to set citizens and neighbours against each other by creating a false division between public and private sector workers.
However, we believe that we need a wider debate on our values and direction as a society. We want a society that respects and values the contribution of all our people.
Do we want low level public services including a sub-standard education system? Where would that leave our economy and our children in years to come? In a competitive, globalised environment, how smart would Ireland's economy be? Do we want our children to be entered for the race to the bottom or the race to the top?
We believe that the fairest and smartest option is to radically review how the taxation system works, distribute wealth and opportunity more equally in our society and protect frontline services. We believe that those who earn most - in either the public or private sector - should contribute most, according to their means.
