ICTU economist: Lenihan an 'economic war criminal'

The Irish Congress of Trade Union's economist is accusing the Finance Minister of making serious errors that will cost people dearly.

Paul Sweeney branded Brian Lenihan "an economic war criminal" and said the policies he had pursued were worse than those of former Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy.

The senior ICTU official made the remarks at a conference in Dublin organised by the independent think-tank TASC, which is examining the Government's proposed austerity measures.

"I think he's made some really serious errors...He's going to really drive Ireland into a deep recession in the forth-coming Budget," said Mr Sweeney.