social democrats TD Catherine Murphy said it was the “height of arrogance” for the Taoiseach Simon Harris to sack his party after the Fine Gael leader ruled out a coalition with a left-wing multiparty alliance.

While Mr Harris praised the Greens and Labor on The Irish Times Inside Politics podcast, he criticized the Social Democrats for ruling out tax cuts, saying “that’s the equivalent of saying there will be tax rises”. .

Speaking on Friday morning alongside Cllr Aidan Farrelly, who is running to take Ms Murphy’s seat in Kildare North as she is due to retire from politics, Murphy said: “In relation to Simon Harris, I would like to invite him to read our manifesto . , because there is actually tax index-linking in our manifest. And I think it’s the height of arrogance to fire people before a vote has been cast. I can send him a copy if he doesn’t have it, but he should read it.”

“We will not be a soft touch. We have a very well thought out manifesto.”

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Asked about Ivana Bacik’s idea of ​​a post-election alliance of left-wing parties, Ms Murphy said: “I’ve also listened to Alan Kelly telling us he’s going to be a Cabinet minister. So I’m a bit confused about the Labor Party to be perfectly honest with you. We will certainly talk to everyone after the election, but we will wait until people have cast their votes and we are very hopeful that they will give us a strong mandate so that we are in a stronger position.”

The Social Democrats launched their youth policy in Dublin on Friday morning.

Cllr Farrelly, who has worked in youth for 16 years, said that “some political parties think a few TikTok posts will impress a generation that has been abandoned by politics, but we know that young people in Ireland want substance, they want politics. “

“Mental health services and supports for young people are at breaking point across the country, with long waiting lists. We want to create a voucher for sports and cultural activities worth €150 for children aged six to 18.”

He said the party wanted to fully resource CAMHS teams and establish 16 new intellectual disability teams.

“We will reduce third-level fees by phasing out the student contribution levy and increasing funding for the Susi scheme. I also think it is very important to review the CEO points system. It is dysfunctional and we need to do this in partnership with young people, teachers and higher education institutions to develop a fairer framework for third-level entry.

“The Social Democrats will also resource a Taoiseach’s Youth Council, which will be an advisory structure to the Taoiseach’s Department on issues of real importance to Ireland’s young people. And finally, given that young people are mature enough to inform themselves about the issues affecting their lives and engage in the political system, consideration should be given to lowering the voting age for local and national elections. Sixteen is the age when young people acquire many rights and responsibilities in society.”