Inflation figures - No relief as cost of living stays high

NOBODY can afford to take comfort from the latest inflation figures showing the annual rate fell back last month to 4.8% as prices for petrol, diesel and clothing goods eased a little.

After hitting a five-year high in January, the upward graph of Irish inflation has flattened somewhat and that has to be welcomed.

However, while the overall figure may suggest that inflation is levelling out, the stark reality is that the underlying increase is still evident. Across a range of products and services, prices continue to rise.