Rabbitte: Consensus invite a 'ploy'

Labour TD Pat Rabbitte believes the Taoiseach's efforts to reach consensus on budget plans are just a ploy to keep the Government intact.

Brian Cowen last night wrote to the Opposition leaders Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore, inviting them to talks on the budget plans.

It follows last week's call by Green Leader John Gormley for cross-party support for the country's economic plan.

Deputy Rabbitte however believes this attempt to bring parties together is only putting off the inevitable.

"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."