The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, has outlined increasing tax issues in line with inflation as one of the main objectives for the Progressive Democrats.
In an opening address to the party's Annual Conference in the Glen Eagle Hotel, in Killarney, Co Kerry yesterday evening Ms Harney, refuted suggestions that there is no longer a political divide on tax. She said the PD's are the party that the public trust on tax.
The Tanaiste said: "Our opponents don't want to talk about tax because they know that the party that people trust on tax is the Progressive Democrats.
"The only way that tax would cease to be a political issue would be if we gave away all tax power outside the country.
And that would be the death of democracy."
Ms Harney added that key party objectives are to ensure:
- The minimum wage will be exempt from tax.
- The average industrial wage will not be taxed at the higher rate.
- The real value of tax cuts will be protected by indexation.
- Tax rates will be kept low and tax compliance high.
- Policy in Europe on direct taxation will made at national level with unanimity.
Earlier the Tanaiste hailed party members as "bold risk takers", whose supporters keep "confounding the critics, time and time again."
The Party Leader, warned members that despite the recent success enjoyed by the party - membership has doubled in the last two years - their job was far from over.
"Your job in the Progressive Democrats is to get big things done.
And then, not to rest, but to press on for more progress," said Ms Harney.
"That's why some people are completely wrong to say the Progressive Democrats' agenda is already all achieved.
What a compliment from our political opponents!
Actually, they just want to persuade us of that, in the hope that we'll sail off satisfied into the sunset.
"Not a chance.
It's just wishful thinking on their part."
The conference is to last three days and will consist of speeches from Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Mr Tim O'Malley and Minister for State at the Department of Finance, Mr Tom Parlon.
Guest speakers include Madrid Metro constructor, Professor Manuel Maynar Melis and Special Olympics Chairperson, Mary Davis.