Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, will tonight call on government to introduce an emergency budget to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
Speaking on the opening evening of Sinn Féin’s Ard Fheis in Belfast, Deputy Doherty will say: “In many parts of our country tonight, families are sitting at kitchen tables doing the sums. And the sums don’t add up.
“Heating oil they cannot afford. Electricity bills that have doubled. The weekly shop rising again and again. Working families doing everything right – and still falling behind. That is the reality.”
He will highlight the disconnect between the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government and the lived realities of ordinary people.
He will say: “Ministers boast about billions. But in the real world, people are counting every euro just to get through the week. When people cry out for help, what are they told? Wait. Wait for the Budget. Wait until next year.”
Highlighting that people can no longer afford to wait, Deputy Doherty will demand immediate action and say: “Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must introduce a mini-budget immediately. Not in October. But now. Because this crisis is happening right now.
“An emergency budget that cuts the cost of electricity by delivering energy credits to families.That reduces the tax on fuel, bringing it to affordable levels.
“A social welfare package that supports people who are struggling – carers, older people, and disabled people.
“And a tax cut that will put money back into workers’ pockets.”
Addressing workers crying out for support, Deputy Doherty will conclude: “Your anger is justified. Your frustration is justified. Sinn Féin will not stop until this government acts. We will not stop until life is more affordable And we will not stop until we have an Ireland worthy of the name Republic.”