New Government’s ‘hands tied by EU/IMF’

A NEW government could have its hands tied by austerity measures imposed by the EU and IMF bailout team, according to the Labour Party leader.

Eamon Gilmore told the Dáil that “austerity is now unavoidable,” adding that there was “no certainty” on whether the next Government will have “room for manoeuvre” or will be bound to the conditions of the IMF and EU bailout believed to be worth €85 billion.

He said the current coalition has no mandate to negotiate the deal, but has toned down calls for a general election before the budget is passed.