Taoiseach Micheal Martin says we are facing a wartime economy with shortages of food and rising prices. But he will do nothing to help people.
Russia and Ukraine account for a quarter of the world’s traded wheat and the war combined with sanctions means there will be far less to export. Gas and petrol will also rise, with one expert predicting €2.60 for a litre of petrol.
But this government is refusing to take measures that will protect living standards. Here is what they could do but won’t:
· They could impose price controls on energy and items like bread.
· They could scrap the Universal Social Charge on incomes below €70,000 and make corporations pay higher taxes instead.
· They could widen the tax bands for PAYE workers
· They could raise the minimum wage and support workers seeking pay increases.
Instead, this right-wing government will say it is waiting on the EU and that it cannot interfere in the market.
WE should not put up with this. Get on to your union and put in a wage claim for a 10% increase.
