Coughlan defends Govt plan for economic recovery

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise has defended the Government's handling of the economic downturn and its much-criticised plan for addressing the situation.

The Fianna Fáil-led coalition attracted much criticism following the recent publication of its economic recovery plan, entitled Building Ireland's Smart Economy.

Critics say the document is a short on actual detail and rehashes several initiatives already announced over the past year.

However, writing in the Irish Times this morning, Mary Coughlan insists that the plan is the correct response to the massive downturn in Ireland's economy.

She says Ireland must play to its strengths and "aim to become the world's leading location for business innovation".

She also says the Government will establish a council of business leaders to advise her and her colleagues on measures to boost economic growth.