Ireland Delivers a Giveaway Budget Ahead of Election
- Measures include tax relief, infrastructure investment
- Budget will fuel speculation about an election this year
Simon Harris will be counting on the budget to help him build on recent solid poll numbers.
Photographer: Kenzo tribouillard/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Ireland’s government delivered a giveaway budget to voters, taking advantage of a financial situation that’s been boosted by soaring income from multinational firms and a back-tax windfall from Apple Inc.
The €10.5 billion ($11.7 billion) package announced Tuesday included income tax cuts, increases in welfare and pension payments, help with energy bills and rent, and extra payouts to families with children.