PDs deny Parlon had pre-Budget knowledge

JUNIOR MINISTER Tom Parlon came under increased fire last night over his prior knowledge of the Government’s decentralisation plans.

The latest salvo came from Fine Gael which accused Tánaiste Mary Harney of tipping off her Progressive Democrat colleague about the plans. She did this, claimed Fine Gael environment spokesman Bernard Allen, for naked party political gain.

The Tánaiste’s spokesman said last night the allegation was “completely untrue and without foundation”.