Tánaiste criticises uncompetitive professions

The Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has reportedly launched an attack on certain professions that she says are failing to become more competitive.

Reports this morning say Ms Coughlan told the Magill Summer School in Co Donegal last night that many professionals had yet to feel the "chill winds of economic reality" and were engaging in "economic conceit".

She said the Government was determined to improve competitiveness as part of its plan to tackle the economic crisis.

She also said it was making a concerted effort to challenge "vested interests across the sheltered economy".