The need for economic protection of workers and homeowners has been highlighted by Sinn Féin Councillor Padraig McLochlainn.

"The incoming Government must address the fact that the exchequer is now vulnerable to a sharp contraction in revenue due to the extent to which it is dependent on construction and consumption."

"We are now facing into an unstable economic situation of the outgoing government's own making. Instead of bedding down the economic prosperity of recent years it allowed it to continue to develop in an unsustainable manner for selfish short term political gains.

OVER DEPENDENCE

"Sinn Féin have highlighted the over-dependence of the economy on the construction sector; the over-dependence of the exchequer on revenue related to property and consumption; the rising inflation and inflated property prices and the rising interest rates and record levels of personal indebtedness.

"Sinn Féin is demanding that the incoming Government take action to ensure alternative employment opportunities are in place for those currently employed in the construction sector and whose jobs may disappear in the years ahead."

He has also called on the next Government to introduce increases in mortgage interest relief to help protect vulnerable homeowners, in particular those on average and lower incomes.