SIPTU slams Lenihan comments on minimum wage

The head of SIPTU has launched a scathing attack on Finance Minister Brian Lenihan following his suggestion last night that the Government may cut the minimum wage.

Speaking at the Magill Summer School in Co Donegal last night, Mr Lenihan said the minimum wage would "have to be addressed" if it was shown to be an obstacle to job creation.

Responding this morning, SIPTU president Jack O'Connor said it was further evidence that ordinary people will be targeted to pay for the policies of the Government in recent years.

He said a cut to the minimum wage would be consistent with the right-wing economic policies being promoted by the Department of Finance.

Mr O'Connor said the biggest impediment to job creation in Ireland was Mr Lenihan and his officials in the department, who he said were obstructing efforts by employers and unions to protect jobs.