Tánaiste praises Burton’s handling of the budget

LABOUR leader Eamon Gilmore has praised the role of embattled Social Protection Minister Joan Burton in the budget and rebuffed suggestions that she was used as a scapegoat for the cuts.

The Tánaiste played down speculation yesterday that there was a rift in the Coalition after the budget.

He said he was happy overall with the “good outcome” of the budget and choices taken.