Noonan: FF campaign based on 'funny money'

The leader of Fine Gael Michael Noonan says that he is prepared to stand over his party’s economic strategies for Government.

He hit back at an accusation from Fianna Fail that Fine Gael’s economic strategy, which was launched as part of its election manifesto, would leave a black hole of six and a half billion euro.

The issue of economics is dominating the election today as the party leaders begin to tour around the campaign trail.

The outgoing Government Chief Whip, Seamus Brennan claims that the manifesto proposals of Fine Gael will require taxes to be raised to finance their ambitious plans.

However, Mr Noonan rejected this and stated that he stood by his financial figures.

He says that it is Fianna Fail’s election campaign and not Fine Gael’s that is based on ‘funny money’.