The Sinn Féin candidate in the Meath East by-election, Darren O'Rourke, has hit out at the government's proposed tax on the family home labeling it "unjust" and calling for it to be scrapped.

O'Rourke made his calls in advance of a visit from An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the constituency.

Mr O'Rourke said: "While the Taoiseach is in Kells tomorrow meeting the Chamber of Commerce, the Dáil will be debating an amendment to the Property Tax Bill. This is an issue that is causing a lot of anger in Meath East where mortgage distress is a huge issue.

"This tax on the family home is unjust, unfair and should be scrapped. It takes no account of ability to pay, mortgages, stamp duty paid or negative equity. It will further dampen the property market, at a time when some recovery is needed, and it will be difficult to assess and pay for both citizens and the Revenue Commissioners alike.

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"I hope that while the Taoiseach is in Kells he will take the time to talk to ordinary people on the street who will soon tell him what the reality is for people on the ground.

"The reality facing people out there is that they simply will not be able to pay. Many families are up to their necks in mortgage debt and are also struggling to cope with government cuts to public services and a lack of action on unemployment.

"I believe that there is a better fairer alternative to this government's austerity measures.

"I am calling on the Taoiseach to scrap this tax and instead introduce a 1% wealth tax on all net assets in excess of €1 million excluding working farmland, business assets and pension pots. It is time that the wealthiest in society started paying their fair share. It is time that ordinary hard-working people got a break."

(CD/GK)