'Working people need a break' - PBP candidate calls for reform of USC

Dave Smyth, The People Before Profit candidate for Longford/Westmeath has called for the abolition of the USC tax for those earning less than €100,000 and said that price controls need to be imposed on shopping essentials and energy.

Mr Smyth says that over the last century Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael "have been good for corporations, corporate landlords, vulture funds, big farmers and developers".

"The majority of people have not benefited and People Before Profit want to change that.

"While the government wastes vast amounts of money on a bike shed and contracts for their circle of already wealthy friends, one in five children are experiencing deprivation. Many households are struggling with ongoing cost-of-living increases.

"Workers need a break, so People Before Profit will abolish the USC for those earning less than €100,000. Instead, we will introduce a wealth tax on multi-millionaires that can raise €8 billion.

"To tackle the cost-of-living crisis we will also introduce price caps on essentials such as food and energy, and we will cap mortgage interest rates at 3%.

"We commit to introduce a rent freeze and real rent controls to reduce the cost of rent. We will abolish childcare fees immediately and establish a fully public and free National Childcare Service.

"Other opposition parties promise radical change, but if they are in government with Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, those promises are worthless. People Before Profit is the only party that has given a guarantee that our votes in the Dáil will not be used to put Micheál Martin or Simon Harris back into power.

"A vote for People Before Profit is the only vote that can bring the radical change that working people demand.”