ISME calls on Govt to 'face down' unions

The Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has called on the Government to "face down" union leaders and reject their "absurd demands" for increased taxes in lieu of cuts to the public pay bill.

"Private sector SMEs have already averaged 13% pay cuts, on top of unprecedented job losses this year and can no longer fund the ever increasing public sector," the body said in a statement.