Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has accused Taoiseach Simon Harris of taking voters for fools with the timing of his intervention on the cost-of-living crisis 11 days out from elections.

The Donegal TD said that voters would see right through the timing of the Taoiseach’s comments, adding that Simon Harris’ government last month increased the price of petrol and diesel and will do so twice more after the local elections.

He said that only a change of government would ease the cost of living and support the living standards of all workers and families.

Teachta Doherty said:

“Today, Simon Harris has finally acknowledged that his government has failed to tackle the cost of living crisis.

“The timing of the Taoiseach’s intervention, 11 days out from the elections, is laughable.

“Simon Harris’ government last month increased the price of petrol and diesel and will do so twice more after the local elections.

“Struggling households across the state will see right through his efforts to convince them that they have any real intention to ease the burden.

“For so many workers and families, the cost of living has never been higher and getting by has never been more difficult than under this government.

“From sky-high housing costs to extortionate energy bills, workers and families continue to feel the squeeze.

“Instead of making every effort to reduce costs for households, the government wants to increase costs.

“The government will increase the cost of petrol, diesel and energy bills this year while so many continue to struggle with basic heating and travel costs.

“This government has failed to introduce permanent measures that would support the most vulnerable and low-income households.

“As this government fails to ease the cost of living for workers and families, Sinn Féin has a plan.

“Sinn Féin would not hike taxes on petrol, diesel and energy plans and would rein in energy companies and the rip-off prices they are charging.

“We would reduce rents and ban rent increases for the next three years, and introduce a Mortgage Interest Support Scheme that would give real relief to those struggling with rising mortgage costs.

“Sinn Féin would support workers by removing the first €30,000 they earn from the USC, increasing tax credits and the point at which they pay the higher rate of income tax.

“We would also scrap the unfair TV licence, funding RTÉ and other public service media through direct Exchequer funding.

“The cost of living has never been as high as it is today under this government.

“The government is blocking Sinn Féin legislation that would hold insurance companies to account to ensure they pass on their savings to consumers instead of boosting their profits.

“Where this government has failed, Sinn Féin would ease the cost of living and protect workers and families.

“Fine Gael has been in power for 13 years. The public knows whose side they are on.

“Sinn Féin is on the side of struggling households. Only a change of government would ease the cost of living and support the living standards of all workers and families.”