SF's McDonald criticises exclusion from consensus talks

Sinn Féin vice-president Mary Lou McDonald has criticised the Government for excluding Sinn Féin from the consensus talks on the Budget.

The talks will include Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, as well as the leaders of Fine Gael and Labour, and are expected to take place next week.

Mary Lou McDonald said the government has not included Sinn Féin because they know the party will not agree to severe cutbacks.

"The Government doesn't wish to have a full, informed discussion where all of the options are viewed," she said. "(This) is not about the kind of stimulaus that we believe in."