Mortgage interest rate relief could be ‘doubled’

FINANCE Minister Charlie McCreevy should double mortgage interest relief in the Budget, according to economist Jim Power.

The Friends First chief economist said the minister could be forced to introduce the measure after axing the 3,810 first time buyers’ grant in Thursday’s estimates.

“Such has been the reaction over the last 24 hours to killing the first time buyers’ grant that I believe the minister may make a move on interest rate relief in the Budget.