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Retail to Gov: Stop flying Budget kites

Monday, October 08 12:20:54

Retail Excellence Ireland today called on the Government to stop "flying Budget kites" and set up a clear communications strategy for the Budget.

It said that in some instances recently, the Government have contradicted each other and this approach of flying kites is not helpful to the domestic economy in the run up to the Budget.

David Fitzsimons, CEO Retail Excellence Ireland, speaking as he launched REI's pre-Budget Submission said: "As we enter pre-budget season, we call on the Government to implement a clear and concise communications strategy for Budget 2013. In the latest Consumer Sentiment Index, consumer sentiment fell to 60.2 in September- its weakest level since February. This sharp deterioration is no surprise considering the significant amount of budget speculation leading to consumer fear and reduced spending".

"The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have asked their Ministers not to fuel budget speculation and we call on them to heed their advice. The best approach to ensure strong consumer sentiment is to make clear concise statements on what is coming up in the budget. It is important that Ministers only comment when a decision is made and that commentary is made with clarity, transparency and authority. Anything else is unhelpful and damaging to domestic economy activity," he said.