Consumer lobby group ‘fails to push for cheaper groceries’

THE Competition Authority has accused a consumer lobby group of failing to push for lower grocery prices.

The authority criticised the Consumers’ Association of Ireland (CAI) over its support for legislation that bans the below-cost selling of dozens of products.

The Groceries Order prevents the below-cost sale of about 50 grocery items. Competition Authority chairman John Fingleton described the CAI’s support of the order as “absurd” and “voodoo economics”.