Cowen: Union official wrong to brand Lenihan 'economic war criminal'

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has today hit back at an official from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for branding the Finance Minister Brian Lenihan an "economic war criminal".

Mr Cowen said such comments are wrong, and do nothing to enhance the economic debate.

ICTU's economic advisor Paul Sweeney made the claims today, saying the policies being pursued by Mr Lenihan are worse than those of former minister Charlie McCreevy.

"That sort of terminology does nothing for national debate," said Mr Cowen. "I don't know what it means, and I think it's just wrong."