BUDGET 2016: Enda Kenny: Budget a ‘fork in the road’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton have insisted Budget 2016 offers Ireland a “fork in the road”, by replacing the era of boom and bust with an “affordable and sensible” recovery that allows the country to “breath again”.

The two leaders issued the staunch defence of their policies, despite opposition claims Tuesday’s €1.5bn tax cuts and benefit hikes are solely focussed on buying the general election.

Speaking during a detailed Dáil debate on the Coalition’s final budget before the election, Mr Kenny said Finance Minister Michael Noonan’s document is “another step” towards a sustainable recovery.