Sober economic outlook likely at Budget meeting

GOVERNMENT ministers are likely to hear a sober assessment of the economy from Tánaiste Brian Cowen at tomorrow’s special Cabinet meeting to discuss next month’s Budget.

Ministers will gather in Government Buildings at 10am for the annual budgetary meeting, which is expected to last until lunchtime.

But the tone of the presentation by Finance Minister Cowen is expected to be downbeat, as predictions for growth in the economy in 2008 continue to slide.