The veteran South Kerry politician, whose unwavering loyalty to Fianna Fail has helped prop up the embattled coalition government, said there is a need to inject more funding into the economy to save jobs and to create investment.

The independent TD has encouraged Finance Minister Brian Lenihan to splash out rather than save in the current economic environment which is curbing growth in the country.

Deputy Healy-Rae said he has been in contact with Minister Lenihan to encourage him to get funding flowing into capital projects such as schools and hospitals as a way of kick-starting the economy and he said great value can now be availed of.

"At present it is the cheapest time to build schools, hospitals and roads. It is also essential that this money is spent very prudently and to get the best value that can be got as it is taxpayers’ money," the Kerry TD insisted.

"The knock-on effect this would have for the whole country would mean that unemployment could be kept at bay, at least until the upturn comes. If this does not happen the unemployment levels will rise even further," he warned.

The South Kerry TD said that, if necessary, money should be borrowed to get the projects moving and he warned that it was no time to consider tax rises as that would only add to the woes being experienced in every part of the country.

"Every man and woman kept in employment is one less on the dole queue and one less burden on the economy," Deputy Healy-Rae remarked.

"Minister Lenihan has repeatedly said that we are all in this together and I agree. Therefore I think consideration should be given to this proposal as a solution has to be found soon for the future economy of our country," he stated.

Deputy Healy-Rae said he has made his views known to Minister Lenihan and, by extension, to the cabinet and he said he hopes his recommendations will be listened to.

Whether or not he will continue to support the government if his suggestion is ignored remains unclear.

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