Labour has accused Sinn Fein of being a "populist party with irresponsible economic policies" in relation to its plans to abolish the property tax.

Labour TD Eric Byrne said the plans will be welcome news to millionaire property owners, however it will not benefit low and middle income workers.

Mr Byrne said: "Sinn Fein claim to be a party for working people but their plans to abolish the property tax reaffirm what they really are and that is a populist party with irresponsible economic policies.

-- Advertisement --

"They clearly do not understand or choose to ignore the basic economic reality that in order to provide quality public services you have to have a sustainable tax base to fund them.

"The approach advocated by Sinn Fein of abolishing the property tax and narrowing the tax base is the exact same economically irresponsible approach which caused the financial crisis.

"That's why our tax reform package is targeted at low and middle income workers. Under Labour's plans we will abolish USC on the first €72,000 of individual income."

(CD/JP)