The Fine Gael leadership candidate Simon Coveney says he would ditch plans to abolish the Universal Social Charge if elected Taoiseach – in favour of changes to tax bands.
With many believing this race is already over, Team Coveney’s come out fighting today, along with his only cabinet backer – Simon Harris.
Coveney followed Simon Harris with a jibe that he too gets up early in the morning and occasionally runs 5k – a clear reference to a photo op with Leo Varadkar earlier this morning.
He’s launched his policy document – one of the big changes in it – the government commitment to abolish the USC is effectively ditched.
The Housing Minister also wants to establish an anti-corruption and transparency commission which would have the powers of a high court judge and would investigate whistle-blowing and alleged corruption .
The plan also includes developing ‘green’ cities, bridging the urban/rural divide, and developing a post-Brexit economy.
