Memorable Budgets - 1980, "We Are Living Beyond Our Means"

"We Are Living Away Beyond Our Means"

When a broadcast by the Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey, warned that, "...as a community, we are living away beyond our means", the nation braced itself for Michael O'Kennedy's budget. This increased PAYE allowances and widened tax bands, but it also increased indirect taxation. Taxes on cigarettes, alcohol and petrol all went up, while duties on cars, television sets and gramophone records were also raised. The Irish Farmers Association felt that the budget was, "extremely harsh on the farming community".

Watch the Charles J. Haughey broadcast described above.

Reaction to the Five Per Cent on Golf Balls

Here are a number of reactions from around the country to the budget, including the 300% increase in duty on soft drinks and 5% on golf balls!

Questions on Public Transport for the Minister

Listeners to Michael O'Kennedy on RTÉ's "Viewpoint" question the increase in tax on petrol. The first caller complains about the poor roads and public transport in Ireland. The second caller asks the Minister when there will be a rapid rail system to Tallaght.