IBEC warns Govt on spending

The Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC) has issued a strong warning to the Government on spending in advance of the general election.

IBEC says current Government spending, which is heading towards 40% for the past two years, is a recipe for disaster and could bring the country back into recession.

IBEC's Brendan Butler said the Irish economy was slowing down and it is time for the Government to act now.

He said: "The last 12 to 18 months we have seen some significant slippage in relation to the key indicators and we are saying the Irish economy is at a cross roads.

"We have an election in a week and we are introducing a new programme and we want to make sure Ireland gets back on a even foot and gets to drive forward again."