Coalition at odds as budget looms

Coalition in-fighting ahead of the looming budget ripped into the open as Labour’s chairman accused Fine Gael of “naïvety” in trying to “shelter” high earners from tax hikes.

Colm Keaveney’s charge gave voice to demands from his party’s backbenchers for a bigger squeeze on those earning €100,000 and over.

The outspoken chairman also insisted a full review of all financial benefits enjoyed by tax exiles needed to be included in the budget as a matter of urgency.