Lenihan insists economy will return to growth as €6bn cuts package unveiled

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan today claimed the country’s economy will grow slightly this year as he unveiled €6bn savings in the most draconian budget in the history of the state.

“Our actions to stabilise the public finances have made progress,” the minister said.

Mr Lenihan said Exchequer figures painted a picture of a country returning to growth after a prolonged and deep recession.