Dundalk TD says cuts to fuel prices "fall far short" ahead of no-confidence motion

Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has said further cuts to excise duty announced by the government "show they are not listening to the people".

It comes as Sinn Féin prepares to table a motion of no confidence in the government when the Dáil returns this week.

The Sinn Féin deputy met with fuel protesters throughout the week and, on Sunday, with Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald at Junction 17 on the M1.

He also spoke at a protest rally at Market Square on Sunday morning, which was also addressed by coach operator Shane Bowhan and farmer John Kieran.

Deputy Ó Murchú told the crowd that people were paying at the pump and "cannot afford to any more" and that it was not sustainable.

He said those heavily reliant on fuel for their businesses, such as farmers, hauliers, taxi drivers, coach operators and agri contractors, were "already paying incredibly high amounts" before the war on Iran which was started "by America and genocidal Israel".

He said the government had "disrespected" protesters by previously giving a two to three cents cut on green diesel before the protests started and disrespecting protesters by not facilitating meetings with them.

The government announced a package worth over €500 million, which included a further 10 cent cut on excise duty. It comes just three weeks after it cut 20 cent for diesel and 15 cent per litre on petrol.

Deputy Ó Murchú said Sinn Féin had tabled a motion of no confidence in the government and urged the public to contact the independent TDs who are supporting the government to press them to vote no confidence.

Speaking after the government announcement of additional fuel measures, Deputy Ó Murchú said the government is not listening to the people and has not taken ‘the necessary action to make fuel affordable at the pumps’.

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He said: “What has been announced on Sunday falls far short and working people are left behind again. 

“The solutions are there. They could have cut diesel by the maximum amount to prevent it being wiped out within days.  They could have cut petrol further. 

“They could have scrapped excise on home heating oil. People have no confidence in this government. They have failed to take responsibility for a crisis that they allowed to spiral out of control. 

“They are out of touch with the cost of living reality facing ordinary workers and families, with carers and disabled people.

“They only moved because of public pressure - and even then, they fell short. The pressure must now intensify. We will bring forward our motion of no confidence in the government this week. They have to go”.