Sinn Féin has launched its 'Jobs Plan – Enterprise Policy for the 21st century'.

The document is a detailed 60 page job stimulus package which sets out a comprehensive plan for making youth employment a national priority; assisting businesses and manufacturing; developing the agri-food sector; reforming the existing enterprise agencies; promoting co-operatives and much more.

The launch was attended by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD; Mary Lou McDonald TD (Public Expenditure and Reform); Peadar Toibin TD (Jobs, Innovation, Enterprise and Gaeltacht Affairs) and Pearse Doherty TD (Finance spokesperson).

Speaking at the launch Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said: "Like our alternative budget proposals, which we will bring forward next month, this plan has been fully costed and provides a socially responsible way to reduce the deficit and create and retain jobs.

"There are a number of sectors not covered in this, for example, Tourism and the Arts.

"Sinn Féin has already produced a detailed proposal on this and we are currently preparing a paper on creating jobs through the arts.

"It has taken six months to produce this proposal.

"In that time we have discussed this issue with others, including business and community leaders, and economists. Politics is about political choices.

"Sinn Féin believes that this government is making the wrong choices and disproportionately placing the burden of paying for the debts of the golden circles on those who can least afford it.

"Unemployment hurts citizens, drives families into poverty and despair, leads to increased suicide numbers, the loss of the family home, and social problems for communities.

"It drives many of our brightest and best young people to flee to Australia and other parts of the globe. Emigration is not a solution."

(CD)