The problem for Labour is that the party made so many promises in the run-up to the last election. In particular the party produced a poster suggesting that many of the items in yesterday’s Budget, including a cut in child benefit, higher prescription charges, increased student fees and even a rise in the price of a bottle of wine would come to pass if Fine Gael won an overall majority.

Instead the two parties went into government with the biggest majority in the history of the State, and most of the things Labour accused Fine Gael of wanting to do have now been done by the two parties in government.

It is always difficult for a party to convince the electorate that worse might have happened if it were not there, but that is a recurring problem for Labour.

Shame. And they were doing so well, too.

Labour helps bring in changes it warned against (Stephen Collins, Irish Times)

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It’s basically a lifestyle choice.

The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton (above), has told families facing a cut of up to one-third in their school-children’s clothing and footwear allowance they can get very good value in some shops.

The children of most welfare recipients qualify for support under the scheme.
The payment has been reduced from €150 to €100 for primary school children and from €250 to €200 for secondary and third level students below the age of 22.
“There is a lot of good value in shops in relation to clothing and footwear,” Ms Burton told journalists when questioned…

What?

You were looking for empathy?

Burton Defends Allowance Cuts In Budget (RTE)

(Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)

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