‘Socialist’ Ahern faces Estimates test

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern will have to demonstrate the strength of his newfound ideological beliefs today as the Government crucially sets out its spending priorities for the second half of its tenure in power.

Following the Taoiseach’s declaration he is a socialist, and after months of claims of a change in emphasis with Fianna Fáil in the wake of local and European elections, the Government will announce the true extent of its promised expenditure increases in health, education and disability services today.

Health spending is expected to rise by €1 billion next year to over €11bn, but social welfare increases will not be outlined until Budget Day on December 1.