Top Labour figures clash over budget measures

Senior Labour figures have clashed over the introduction of harsh budget measures as coalition partners Fine Gael look set to stand over the cuts being voted on this week.

One Labour minister seemed to dismiss party TDs’ concerns yesterday, insisting that members had been warned of the tough measures ahead. However, calls for a row-back on measures affecting children continued last night.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he would force Dáil votes this week on all the budget measures his party deemed unfair.