Fianna Fáil has called on the State’s fiscal watchdog to carry out an official examination of the Government’s budgetary figures because it claims Fine Gael is not being honest about the effect of large projects on existing policy. Unless Fine Gael is going to cut spending or increase taxes, their figures just don’t add upMr McGrath will have to sign off on a budget underpinned by such figures later this year if Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are to agree another tax and spending package under the confidence-and-supply deal. General electionThe arrangement was extended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to take in one more budget before the next general election. Mr McGrath’s call is likely to unsettle some within Fine Gael who acknowledge the party’s reputation for financial management has taken a hit and may cause alarm that Fianna Fáil is positioning itself as the more responsible party. Labour leader Brendan Howlin also accused Fine Gael of “failing to safeguard the public’s money”, adding it is in danger of “repeating all of the mistakes of Fianna Fáil in government”.

Source: The Irish Times May 20, 2019 01:52 UTC