Coalition in chaos as ministers differ on Croke Park deal

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore slapped down Transport Minister Leo Varadkar for demanding changes to the Croke Park deal as a day of chaos engulfed the Coalition.

The Labour leader said the industrial peace pact was not up for re-negotiation after Mr Varadkar insisted increment payments should be deferred.

The public spat broke out as Taoiseach Enda Kenny flatly contradicted two senior Labour ministers by saying election pledges not to raise income tax or cut welfare rates would be honoured in the next budget.