Ahern demands wages be kept low

BOSSES and workers should keep prices and wages down to maintain the nation’s competitiveness, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern demanded yesterday.

In a speech to the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland Mr Ahern fired a shot across the bows of the social partners as they continue their negotiations on a new national pay deal.

“Ireland is one of the world’s great trading nations. Our external competitiveness is a critical factor in determining our economic potential,” he said.