Gilmore: Decision to walk from talks was 'political'

The Labour Party has accused the Government of taking a political decision to abandon talks with unions on savings in the public sector.

The party has also said it plans to disrupt the Dáil today in an effort to prevent the passing of the Social Welfare Bill, which will enshrine into law the raft of welfare cuts outlined in Wednesday's Budget.

The party has also described as "unfair" the pay cuts of up to 15% levelled on public sector workers.

Party leader Eamon Gilmore said civil servants did not cause any of our economic problems.