Labour 'alarmed' by inflation figures

The Labour Party has called the latest inflation figures - published today - ‘‘alarming’’.

Enterprise, Trade and Employment spokesman Pat Rabbitte said: ‘‘While part of the increase is due to the increases imposed as a result of budgetary decisions taken by Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy, there must also be a concern that at least part of the rise is due to increases imposed in advance of the changeover to the euro.’’