Inflation: Howlin tells Govt 'get a grip'

Deputy Labour leader Brendan Howlin has called on the Government to get a grip on inflation.

His demand follows the release of the latest figures, which show no inroads are being made into the cost of living. It is rising at virtually the same rate as this time last year.

Prices in August rose, which pushed annual rate of inflation up to 4.5%.

Mr Howlin said recent cutbacks in the health service played a large part in the rise in inflation.

But, Mr Howlin, who has declared his intentions on the race for a new Labour leader, said the Government has to get these rates under control.