Coalition clash over bid to cut junior posts

DISAGREEMENT has emerged between Fianna Fáil and their junior coalition partners over changes needed within government to get through the economic crisis.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern described the Green Party as “a bit facile” after it suggested that some of the 20 junior minister posts should be cut to save public money.

The junior coalition party said it made some proposals to cut costs including linking TD allowances to attendance and reducing the number of junior minister positions.