THE Minister for Finance, Mr Quinn, last night scorned Fianna Fail pre election pledges of big income tax cuts. He accused the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, of allowing his election agenda on tax to be driven by the Progressive Democrats.
Mr Quinn, who was speaking in Brussels, said the Coalition's commitment to appropriate tax reform remained and was compatible with increases in public spending provided the economy is soundly managed. But he rejected any early moves to slash reasonable income tax rates.
"Massive personal income tax reductions in a society which would become more divided as a result are not a recipe for either individual happiness or social harmony. That is why the Progressive Democrats and ourselves are so far apart on tax."
He suggested that Mr Ahern appeared to have already decided to appoint tee Progressive Democrats Finance spokesman, Mr Michael McDowell, as Finance Minister if a Fianna Fail led Coalition was elected.
Mr Quinn confirmed that discussions are ongoing on a pre election voting pact between the three Coalition parties. This could, he said, extend to a common position paper although Labour had not finalised its views on a number of aspects.
If returned to power Mr Quinn said his aim as Finance Minister would be to pursue sound management of the economy. The other priority, he said, was to ensure that economically disadvantaged groups would receive special attention.