McDonald says Government 'not accepting reality' of inflation

She said families had trouble “keeping their heads above water” with inflation now reported by the ESRI as being at their highest level since 1984

Mary Lou McDonald said families are at serious risk from ever-rising fuel and food prices.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said it is deeply disappointing that the Government is ruling out any further measures to ease the cost of living pressures before October’s Budget.

Speaking at Leaders’ Questions, she said families are at serious risk from ever-rising fuel and food prices, while repeating her calls on Government to urgently cut VAT rates on fuel for three months and she urged an immediate cut in excise duty on heating oil.