Rabbitte condemns decentralisation plans

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte has condemned the Government's decentralisation plans as an election ploy.

Speaking at his party's annual conference last night, Mr Rabbitte also said he would form an alliance with other parties to give voters a clear alternative in the next general election.

He also announced Labour's plans to give every newborn child an investment bond worth €1,000.

Pat Rabbitte said the Government was abusing the concept of decentralisation.