Ahern warns failure of pay talks could damage economy

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday warned that a failure to agree the next round of Sustaining Progress pay talks could badly damage the prospects of the entire country.

Speaking at the IMI conference in Killarney, Mr Ahern said getting negotiations back on track remained one of his most important goals.

“This is perhaps one of our most immediate challenges. The outcome should be of real concern to all of us. Because, depending on our success in reaching an agreement and its shape, we have the opportunity to move our country forwards or backwards,” he said.