Kenny goes on defensive as austerity measures under fire

The country has been saved from a generation of poverty by the Government’s tough austerity measures, Taoiseach Edna Kenny has insisted.

He was yesterday thrown onto the defensive on his record of economic management after Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said heavy Coalition losses in last week’s elections showed the country wanted to go in a different direction to the Government’s austerity agenda.

“I don’t know how to break this to you. You are not regarded as competent. Have you got that message Taoiseach?” Ms McDonald told Mr Kenny during angry Dáil exchanges.