Exchequer figures draw criticism from Opposition

Yesterday's release of the Government exchequer figures for 2002 has prompted much criticism from Opposition parties.

The figures showed a surplus of €95m against the forecasted surplus of €170m while spending came in under predictions at 14%.

Fine Gael's spokesperson on finance Richard Bruton said the main reason for the exchequer surplus was extra charges heaped on businesses, which he said it could ill afford at the moment.

He criticised the Minister for Finance saying the continuing failure of tax revenue to come up to target was worrying.

According to Labour's finance spokesperson Joan Burton, the figures highlight the fact that many of the cuts in the Budget were unnecessarily harsh.

Ms Burton said the Government is condemning Ireland to a bleak economic future with such misguided cuts.

Meanwhile Dan Boyle of the Green Party described Charlie McCreevy's decisions as a bulimic approach to the public finances.