If Fine Gael is given the mandate from the Irish people this Friday, the party will immediately set about implementing our Five Point Plan to get Ireland working, according to Fine Gael Longford-Westmeath election candidate Nicky McFadden.
“Fine Gael has launched its action plan for the first 100 days in office, if the party is given the support to form the next government today. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has clearly stated that there is no time to waste when it comes to getting Ireland working.
“Fine Gael is committed to reforming how Ireland is run; we will eliminate waste and reduce public sector numbers by 30,000. However, frontline services will be protected at all times, and there will be no voluntary redundancies.
“Over the last few weeks I have encountered countless stories across Longford and Westmeath of how ordinary families are suffering as a result of the recession. The economy has ground to a halt, our young people are emigrating, and our communities are being left devastated.
“The most recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that more than 15,500 people signed across Longford and Westmeath last month, and unemployment figures have soared by 150 per cent across both counties since the last General Election in 2007.
“A key part of Fine Gael’s Five Point Plan is focussed on jobs. A Fine Gael government would draft a detailed strategy to restore our international reputation, which would be delivered to every Irish ambassador. This will help to once again establish Ireland as one of the best places in the world to do business.
“A number of other key measures targeting job creation would be implemented in the first 100 days of government. These would include a cut in employers' PRSI, a Partial Loan Scheme for viable businesses and a reduction in the lower rate of VAT.
“I believe the people of Westmeath and Longford need hope and a clear plan for the way forward. Fine Gael has that plan, and I am urging people right across the constituency to come out on Friday and give Fine Gael the mandate to Get Ireland Working.”
