Ahern says economy must be managed carefully

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said the Government must manage Ireland’s economy carefully in the coming months to overcome the difficulties posed by the global recession.

Mr Ahern said Ireland’s economy is still growing at unprecedented rates, but the downturn in the global economy will cause some setbacks.

His comments follow yesterday’s Exchequer returns, which showed that tax receipts are down sharply on last year’s estimates.