People better off despite rip-off prices, says Harney

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney last night insisted that despite rip-off Ireland prices and stealth taxes, people now had more money in their pockets.

Ms Harney’s apparent acceptance of inflated prices as a fact of life came as a key economic survey predicted a jobs boom fuelled by higher than expected growth.

The Economic and Social Research Institute’s (ESRI) study forecast growth of 5.7% this year, well above the Government’s 5.1% estimate.