SIPTU head: Bord Snip proposals 'fantasy'

The president of Ireland's largest trade union has described the recommendations made in yesterday's report by the so-called An Bord Snip Nua group as an exercise in fantasy.

Speaking in Waterford today, SIPTU's Jack O'Connor said there was no way that sweeping cuts in social welfare could be implemented without doing immense damage and making the economic crisis worse.

Meanwhile, Green Party leader John Gormley told reporters in Dublin that he recognised many of the Bord Snip recommendations were unpalatable.

However, he said all the proposals must be considered by the Government before any decisions are taken.