EU economics chief to hold Budget talks with Govt

EU Economics Commissioner Olli Rehn arrives in Dublin today for budget talks with Finance Minister Brian Lenihan and the Opposition.

The top European politician will meet Mr Lenihan tonight to discuss the €15bn four-year plan, expected to be published in the coming weeks.

Mr Rehn last week backed December’s €6bn package of cuts and tax hikes but warned difficult choices lay ahead.

The Finnish-born politician will hold talks with opposition parties tomorrow and also address the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) on economic governance.

Meanwhile the Green Party ruled out pension cuts in December’s Budget with deputy leader Mary White branding suggestions pensioners could bear cuts insulting and inaccurate.

“I know that many hard-pressed families are also fretful about the prospect of cuts in pensions for their elderly relatives,” Ms White said.

“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those least able to bear the strain are most protected.”

The Cabinet met for over three hours yesterday to discuss the Budget.