Cowen casts doubt on consensus approach

Tentative overtures for a "national consensus" approach to solving the country's economic woes hit a number of speed bumps today with both the Taoiseach and Sinn Féin throwing cold water on efforts to achieve cross-party unity.

Environment Minister John Gormley had yesterday said he was writing to all party leaders to invite them to talks on achieving consensus ahead of the formulation of the budgetary plan.