Little relief for majority of workers

The impact in the wage packets of the vast majority of workers will be insignificant as a result of the lacklustre Budget delivered by Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy two days ago.

About the only aspect that characterised it was, despite Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s dismissal of charges that he presides over a right-wing Government, there was practically nothing in it for the PAYE sector, while the wealthy will continue to be cosseted.

One facet that had immediate effect were the rises in petrol, diesel and cigarette prices which came into force already.