Opposition blames govt for inflation increase

The Opposition has blamed the Government's handling of the economy for the continuing rise in inflation.

Fine Gael's Charlie Flanagan said the Government would have to rein in spending and manage the growing demand in the economy to prevent further hikes.

Labour's Pat Rabbitte said the Government must do more to crackdown on retailers who are taking advantage of the changeover to the euro to raise their prices.

However, the Minister for State at the Dept of Finance, Seamus Brennan, said pressure on the economy is easing as last year's corresponding figure was 5.6%.