Tax powers tackle social exclusion

Francie Molloy is fast off the mark to counter Peter Robinson’s suggestion yesterday that tax varying powers will necessarily be detrimental to restarting the Northern Ireland economy. Molloy argues that the problems of social exclusion require direct government intervention:

The executive needs the power to target resources and investment to those areas and people most disadvantaged. There is inequality and poverty in our society, and both must be eradicated if we are to build on the promise of the peace process and Good Friday Agreement.

There is more to economic sovereignty and tax varying powers than increasing taxes and spending. We need the ability to create tax incentives towards areas of high unemployment, towards small businesses or specific sectors. Targeted tax breaks would create a vital tool in supporting employment and sustaining and developing the strength of the local economy.

Mick Fealty

Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty