Ahern vows to tackle inflation

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday said he would work with unions and employers to combat inflation after both groups voted to endorse the new partnership agreement.

The umbrella group, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ratified the deal despite widespread opposition from both union and community groups.

ICTU general secretary David Begg said the Sustaining Partnership deal, which offers a 7% pay rise over 18 months, would preserve living standards as inflation appeared to be a downward trend.