FF promises annual 4.5% growth rate

Fianna Fáil says it can achieve economic growth of 4.5% annually over the next five years if it is re-elected to power.

Launching its pre-election economic policy today, the party also said it could increase employment by 2.5% per annum.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said reducing the national debt would be a priority if his party was returned to Government.

He also promised to maintain Ireland's low rate of corporation tax and vowed ordinary working people would have more money in their pockets if Fianna Fáil were re-elected.