A Fianna Fáil Government will further cut income tax rates, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told thousands of delegats at the party's Ardfheis in Dublin last night.
Delivering his keynote address to the conference in Dublin's Citywest hotel, Mr Ahern outlined several new proposals in areas like crime, health and education.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
Mr Ahern began his 30-minute address with the Northern Ireland peace process and warned that the final steps need to be taken on power sharing.
With the General Election only weeks away, Mr Ahern promised his party will cut the standard tax rate from 20 per cent to 18 per cent and the higher rate from 41 per cent to 40 per cent.
He said PRSI for full-rate employees will be reduced from 4 per cent to 2 per cent and from 3 per cent to 2 per cent for the self-employed.
"These tax cuts will reward work, strengthen our economy and promote social inclusion", Mr Ahern said.
"With Fianna Fáil, taxes will be reduced and spending will be controlled. We believe in low taxation and unlike others, we have the record to prove it," he added.
The €4 billion tax package will be rolled out over a five-year period, Mr Ahern said.
Following ten years in government, Mr Ahern said it was time to go the distance again after the General Election and fulfil Ireland's destiny.
"This is the government that has nurtured peace, that has grown prosperity and that is harvesting a bright future for all."
In its package of measures, Fianna Fáil will also raise the old pension from €200 to €300 within five years.
In crime, prisoners will be drug tested regularly and a new Garda unit will be set up to enforce anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos).
Garda numbers will be increased by 2,000 to 16,000 and CCTV systems will also be rolled out to all major rural towns.
In health, regular medical check-ups will be introduced to screen for diseases like cancers. Public hospital beds will be increased by 1,500 and the number of consultants will be doubled to 4,000.
In education, at least 4,000 more primary school teachers will be hired to reduce class sizes.
Focusing on the election campaign, Mr Ahern urged delegates to work harder than ever to get the best possible result on polling day.
"Go home from here and tell the people it is Fianna Fail who will deliver for Ireland."
Earlier party TDs had posed for a "family photograph" on the front lawn before watching the Republic of Ireland defeat Wales in the Euro 2008 qualifier on a big screen.
Fianna Fail will tomorrow launch its post Ardfheis national advertising campaign.
The party is also harnessing the internet as several candidates are using blogs, podcasts and personal websites to communicate their messages.