Coalition divided over sale of state enterprises

FRESH divisions have emerged within the coalition Government after the Green Party said it will not support any plans to sell off commercial state firms and it repeated calls to radically reform the political donations system.

Details of a Government group led by An Bord Snip Nua author Colm McCarthy yesterday suggested commercial enterprises — such as RTÉ, Bord Gáis, the ESB and Cork airport — could be sold to offload state assets.

The group will report to Finance Minister Brian Lenihan on how the assets can be better used by the end of this year.