Irish Independent, 9 December 2009

Ireland can drink to forget

Published on 9 December 2009 at 16:24
Irish Independent, 9 December 2009

Cover

9 December, Ireland braces itself for the most draconian budget in the history of the state. In order to keep international bond markets sweet, the government plans to reduce the debt-ridden nation’s public deficit – more than 12% of GDP – by €4bn. First up for the drop today is the public sector, which can look forward to a €1.3bn slash in pay. According to the Irish Independent, social welfare will be also be walking the plank with Taoiseach Brian Cowen planning a plethora of cuts, including 10% on child benefit. The only good news, as the Dublin daily’s front page reveals, is that excise duty on alcohol will also be reduced. This should lead to a 10% reduction in the price of a pint, and contribute to public amnesia as to how successive Fianna Fail governments mismanaged the nation’s finances during the Celtic Tiger years.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic