Pay rises if Fine Gael back in power, says Varadkar

Health Minister Leo Varadkar says a second Fine Gael term in government would allow for a wide-ranging recovery including pay increases in the private and public sectors.

His comments came as Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said public sector workers could only expect full restoration of pay cuts when the country returned` to full employment.

However, Mr Varadkar last night also warned there should be no auction politics in the lead up to the next general election as he took a swipe at promises by other political parties.