TAOISEACH Brian Cowen refused to rule out cuts in social welfare payments as figures showed the economy had suffered its biggest fall on record.

Figures published by the Central Statistics Office highlight great disparities between the public and private sectors in relation to both pay and employment.

THE economy has the potential to achieve solid growth again, but only if the country’s banking sector is stabilised as quickly as possible, according to Central Bank governor John Hurley.

THE tripartite report on the economy by three leading Irish stockbroking companies said the public sector pay bill has to be tackled with reverse benchmarking, if the economy is to be restored.

THE Green Party last night hailed as a victory the fact that funding for the Equality Authority would be the subject of a new review — when in fact the review could recommend cutting its funding.

PUBLIC and private sector trade unions are to organise widespread work stoppages and national days of protest throughout the coming weeks in a bid to stop government putting the weight of the economic recovery on the shoulders of ordinary workers.

THE government task force set up to identify savings in public spending — An Bord Snip Nua — is expected to have an impact on tens of thousands of families within weeks.