Sinn Fein has accused the government of 'delaying and dithering' on the cost of living crisis.

At the party's Ard Fheis today, spokesperson for finance Pearse Doherty said that the government has "refused to take action for far far too long".

"They even opposed taxing the windfall profits on energy companies."

"But throughout this crisis, Sinn Féin have held this government to account."

Pearse Doherty with Sinn Fein party leader Mary Lou McDonald and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O Neill and Conor Murphy before the start of their Ard Fheis. Photo by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

TD for Donegal Southwest, Mr Doherty, believes that Sinn Féin has a plan to help families and workers.

"What we've put forward are policies that are sensible", he said.

"We have brought forward solutions to support workers and families."

"The cost of living crisis has taken hold when households are already contending with challenges on several fronts."

Energy crisis

Mr Doherty said that Ireland should follow in the footsteps of Germany, a country that just last week introduced temporary price caps on gas and electricity.

"Now, Sinn Féin aren't even calling to go that far. What we're saying is to reduce the cost of electricity only for a period of five months and to do that over the winter period."

Sinn Fein's Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty says the party's serious about addressing the cost-of-living crisis facing ordinary people.

"Childcare doesn't need t0 be the most expensive in Europe. Rents don't need to be the most expensive in Europe."

"Our mortgage interest costs don't need to be the most expensive in Europe."

"With the right policies, with the right determination and with the right team ... these issues can be tackled."

Main image shows Sinn Fein president and party leader Mary Lou McDonald and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O Neill talking to the media before the start of their Ard Fheis. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie