Government ‘fuelling inflation’

THE Government has no credibility in asking workers to take a pay freeze while its actions are pushing inflation ever higher, Fine Gael finance spokesperson Richard Bruton said yesterday.

Mr Bruton made the charge as the latest figures show inflation continued to increase. The figures show it has risen to 4.6% last month, compared to 4.5% in September.

One of the country's leading economists yesterday warned prices are likely to rise further next month, with some possibility of a rate just below 5% before year end.