Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Public Expenditure and Reform Sean Fleming says the Labour Party’s new found concern for public services is ‘too little, too late’ considering their record in office.
Deputy Fleming was responding to comments made by Minister Brendan Howlin who confirmed that Fine Gael is pushing to continue its implementation of Tory style cuts to services.
“It’s ironic to see the Labour Party talk about the importance of protecting public services given the fact that they have spent the last five years in Government eroding frontline services,” said Deputy Fleming.
“The Labour Party has worked closely with Fine Gael to close schools, Garda stations and cutback on community healthcare services. They also oversaw a reduction in local services such as the closure of post offices which has left many towns and villages struggling to survive. The Labour Party also worked with Fine Gael to cut back on hospital services which has resulted in chaos in our Emergency Departments.
“Minister Howlin cannot be trusted when he says the Labour Party wants to invest in services considering his Government has done the exact opposite over the last five years. It’s too late in the day for Labour to start expressing phony concern for public services,” concluded Deputy Fleming.