Varadkar's Vision For Ireland Described As 'Thatcherism With A Fresh Coat Of Paint'

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's vision for Ireland has been described as "Thatcherism with a fresh coat of paint" by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.

Deputy Adams made the statement in response to the Taoiseach's speech at IBEC's annual dinner.

He said: "There is nothing new in the Taoiseach Varadkar's IBEC speech. It is aimed at a section of the electorate which Fine Gael hopes to woo. In reality, Leo's vision is Irish Thatcherism with a fresh coat of paint. In Taoiseach Varadkar's 'Mé Féin Ireland', if you fall behind you are on your own.

"When Leo Varadkar talks about a 'culture of aspiration' or a 'culture of dependency' or 'victimhood', he is really saying that he is a Taoiseach for the well-off in society.

"Citizens caught at the sharp end of the crises in housing and health have aspirations. They also have personal ambitions. The society shaped by the establishment parties in this state means that the odds are always tilted against them. These people are not only the homeless or the poor, older citizens or folks denied proper health care. They include the majority of people whose lives are consumed with the effort to rear their families.

"The best way to improve the lives of those struggling to get by is to invest in public services. Introducing tax cuts means that the Taoiseach is choosing not to deal with the crises in health and housing. He is firmly setting this state on a path whereby the necessities of having a roof over your head and access to timely healthcare or education and childcare are reserved as privileges rather than rights."

(MH)