McCartney: Talking up economy

Labour party chairman Ian McCartney has said a new Tory government would be a "recession waiting to happen".

Speaking to party activists in Cardiff on Thursday, McCartney said "the choice on May 5 is clear".
 
He said: "On one hand, voters in Wales can choose a radical third term Labour government building on low unemployment, low inflation, low interest rates.

"A Labour government committed to delivering prosperity and world class public services for everyone, not just the privileged few.
 
"Or they can choose a Tory party under Michael Howard which is a recession waiting to happen."

McCartney stressed the party line on the economy, comparing Labour's economic stability with what he branded a "fifth term Thatcher government", which he said would take Wales back to the days of "boom and bust".

Apathy fears

The party chairman warned Labour supporters they cannot take anything for granted at this election.
 
"We must get the message over to Labour supporters," he said. "If you want economic prosperity you have to vote for it. And you have to vote Labour."

His rallying call continued: "Don't leave it to others to vote Labour at the general election.

"You cannot assume that other people will vote to keep the Tories out."

Lib Dems

McCartney then warned Labour voters about the dangers the Liberal Democrats posed.

Along with other Lib Dem policies, he slammed their plans to raise the top level of income tax, and to allow 16-year-olds to buy alcohol.

And he said: "A vote for the Liberals is dangerous first and foremost because it risks a Tory government, but a vote for the Liberals is also dangerous because it is an endorsement of extreme policies.

"We don't need to look into a crystal ball to see what it would be like if they ever got into power, we can look at Cardiff Council.

"A vote for the Liberal Democrats is always a vote for cuts, chaos and confusion."