Talks collapse raises questions about Cowen leadership: Gilmore

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore says the collapse of talks on an economic recovery plan raises further questions about the Taoiseach's leadership.

The talks between unions, employers and government officials broke up without agreement in the early hours of this morning.

The discussions had been ongoing for several days, but the crucial issue of public-sector cutbacks was only put on the table yesterday.

Mr Gilmore said today that this was the wrong way to do business and the most sensitive issues should have been discussed from the outset to allow the maximum amount of negotiating time.