Government to hold crunch talks with Independents

THE Government will hold last-minute talks with independent TDs today to ensure it can shore up support needed to push through tomorrow’s budget, which is being flagged as one of the harshest in living memory.

Fianna Fáil backbenchers said they are bracing themselves for a public backlash, particularly against cuts of around 10% to child benefit, which are expected to lead to protests outside the Dáil by parents’ groups.

Chief whip Pat Carey said, while he is “taking nothing for granted”, he is confident the Government will secure the support it needs to push through the €4 billion in cuts and savings to be outlined by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan tomorrow afternoon.