Labour TDs feel ‘manipulated’

LABOUR TDs are heading into next week’s budget feeling “used and nervous,” backbenchers warn.

Some believe that the leadership deliberately “manipulated” them and the public over the issue of cutting child benefit in order to deflect attention away from pilling on costs for students.

Speaking after yesterday’s pre-budget meeting of Labour TDs and Senators, one prominent deputy said: “The threat to child benefit now seems like a kite-flying exercise to draw attention away from piling up student fees and charges.