Quinn: Rumour of Labour discontent in Cabinet 'has no basis in fact'

The Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has said speculation that Labour members of the Cabinet are unhappy at being forced to stick rigidly to their budgets has no basis in fact.

It follows a newspaper report that Mr Quinn and Social Protection Minister Joan Burton are unhappy at the pressure on them to stick to targets, but that the same pressure is not on Health Minister James Reilly.

Speaking in Dublin this morning, Minister Quinn said the reports are not true.

He said: "It would be great if we could do an instant Budget, just press fast forward and get it all done with.

"Then people like you (the media) wouldn't constantly have to fill empty space with speculation that has no basis in fact."