Tax wealth not homes in Galway says SF Senator

By Kernan Andrews

The property tax “will plunge thousands of low and middle income families into further financial hardship” while those with the “ability and means” to pay are protected by the Government.

This is the view of Galway Sinn Féin senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh who will launch the party’s wealth tax campaign at a public meeting on Thursday February 21 in The Westwood Hotel at 8pm.

The meeting, entitled Tax Wealth Not Homes, will examine the proposed property tax and put forward an alternative.

“The family home tax is an unfair, draconian measure that fails to recognise the resulting financial implications for those already suffering from Government austerity,” said Sen Ó Clochartaigh. “It ignores those in mortgage difficulty, in negative equity, and those reliant on a social welfare payment.”

The Connemara based senator said the introduction of a wealth tax would be “a fair and progressive step in the right direction” and “a realistic, constructive alternative”.

“To reduce inequality, the Government should target those who can actually afford to pay and impose a wealth tax,” he said. “Effectively, they are asking low and middle income earners to take a disproportionate hit while protecting those with both ability and means.”

All are welcome to attend the meeting.