MORE than 1,200 people
have signed up to a 'Ban VRT Now' campaign on
Facebook following the controversial Revenue
checkpoints across Inishowen last week.
Sinn Féin Councillor Pádraig MacLochlainn said the
numbers who signed up to the campaign on the social
networking site in just two days showed the strong
opposition in Donegal to VRT.
“Vehicle Registration Tax is an unfair tax that
punishes ordinary people for seeking to get a good
deal for themselves and their families when
purchasing a car - a must when living and working in
counties with poor public transport like Donegal,"
said Cllr MacLochlainn.
"This tax is also blatantly against the principles
of the European Union providing for open trade
between all members states to benefit businesses and
citizens." |
Cllr MacLochlainn
outlined statistics showing the return from VRT to
the exchequer last year was an estimated €375
million - a dramatic fall on the €1.4 billion
collected in 2007.
He claimed that, rather than scrapping the unpopular
tax, the Government was using "heavy-handed"
checkpoint tactics to recoup VRT cash while making
drivers "feel like drug dealers". |
 |
"Many local people
commented to me that it’s a pity the State couldn’t
put the same resources into tackling drug dealers.
Ordinary people are being punished for the
disastrous decision of this Government to bail out
Anglo Irish Bank, a decision that may cost the tax
payer up to a devastating €22 billion.
"This is despicable and I intend to work with my
political colleagues and others in our community
like the Irish Drivers Association and those behind
this Facebook campaign to fight it." |
