Lenihan told first of consensus idea

THE Greens appear to have floated the “national consensus” idea with both Finance Minister Brian Lenihan and the media before putting it to the Taoiseach.

A Green spokesman last night confirmed that Communications Minister Eamon Ryan had discussed the idea with Mr Lenihan last week.

A spokeswoman for Mr Lenihan subsequently confirmed that this discussion took place informally following a cabinet meeting on the budget last Thursday.