Kenny welcomes Cowen's invite to consensus talks

Taoiseach Brian Cowen is expected to meet the leaders of the Opposition parties next week to discuss the budget.

Mr Cowen wrote to Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore yesterday, inviting them to talks.

The Fine Gael leader has welcomed what he calls "the change in attitude and tone" from the Taoiseach in trying to reach a consensus on budget plans.

Mr Cowen says every sensible and viable proposal should be considered.

In the letters to the Opposition heads, the Taoiseach admitted the Government does not have a monopoly on wisdom, and said people do not expect it to be business as usual in politics or the economy.

Mr Cowen said that he welcomes the fact the parties are already in agreement about cutting the deficit by the end of 2014.

He then offered a meeting to see if consensus can be achieved, adding it would send a strong signal to our European colleagues and international markets.

"Further to my exchanges with you during Leaders Questions in Dáil Éireann yesterday, I want to reiterate my position on the desirability of having a constructive engagement with the Opposition parties on a four-year Budgetary plan which must be finalised with the European Commission by mid-November," the letter read.

"As you are aware, we face an extremely challenging time. Our people understand that this is not a time for business as usual, either in politics or in the economy."

Labour TD Pat Rabbitte however said he is "puzzled" by the Taoiseach's change of attitude, and said he believes this is a ploy to keep the Government intact.

"Whoever has persuaded Brian Cowen in the direction of last night's letter is attempting to keep this Government in office for as long as possible," Deputy Rabbitte said.

"And we have passed the stage where that is in the interests of the Irish people."