McDonald accuses Taoiseach of 'now talking a big game' ahead of elections

In response, Simon Harris said Sinn Féin's alternative budget had pledged less in funding aimed at alleviating child poverty than the Government delivered

At Leaders' Questions on Wednesday, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said excise rises planned for August and October would "make a hard situation harder" for families, particularly those in rural areas. Picture: Maxwells

The Government has been accused of "big talk on the eve of an election" on the issue of the cost of living.

At Leaders' Questions on Wednesday, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said excise rises planned for August and October would "make a hard situation harder" for families, particularly those in rural areas.