Cowen denies rumours of split in Cabinet

Taoiseach Brian Cowen today rejected claims that the Government is in disarray following remarks made by the Tánaiste in the Dáil yesterday.

Mary Coughlan said many of the recommendations in the Bord Snip report do not make sense, prompting the Opposition to question whether its swingeing cuts would be brought in.

Later yesterday, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan dismissed the Tánaiste’s comments, saying they made little difference.

Speaking at the Ploughing Championships in Athy today, Cowen said there were no divisions within the Government.

“I think that it’s a manufactured story to be honest,” said Cowen.

“Clearly though there is no serious difference of opinion in relation to what the overall budgetary stance is.

“There is a lot of political discussion to take place at Cabinet on the detail of how we proceed, but there's a common determination on all our parts to do whatever is necessary in terms of maintaining and sustaining our public finances.”