Mary Lou McDonald has said a Sinn Féin-led government will scrap the USC on the first €45,000 of income for every worker, ensuring those on average incomes never pay the USC again.

Launching her party’s largest-ever number of candidates to contest a General Election, she said Sinn Féin is contesting the election to win and to form a new government for working people.

Ms McDonald called on people to vote to change the government on November 29th.

Emphasising Sinn Féin’s USC proposal, the Sinn Féin leader said:

“A Sinn Fein-led government will show up with real action for ordinary workers and their families.

“We will scrap the USC on the first €45,000 of every worker’s income. Every worker will benefit.

“We know workers can’t wait. We will begin implementing this relief within the first 100 days of government, ensuring the removal of the first €45,000 from the USC by January 1st 2026.

“This means a Sinn Féin-led government will ensure that the average worker will never again pay the USC. Our measure would benefit all workers and would mean up to €1,100 more a year in take home pay from where they are today.

“The cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away. Many ordinary workers and families are still struggling to pay the bills and make it to the end of the week. Our action on USC will remove a huge burden from the shoulders of lower- and middle-income families.

“There’s clear blue water between Sinn Féin and the Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil partnership. Their approach ensures those at the top benefit first and benefit most. Our USC proposal puts fairness for ordinary workers first.”

Launching the Sinn Féin candidate team for the election, Ms McDonald added:

“We have the best team of candidates on the field. We are running 71 candidates, contesting every seat, in every constituency in the state.

“We are in it to win it.

“Our message to the people is clear – if you want to change the government, your only option is to vote for Sinn Féin, to vote for your local Sinn Féin candidate. After decades of failed Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil governments, I think the people of Ireland are up for it. It’s time for a new government for working people led by Sinn Féin.”