Weasel words can’t hide truth

RECENT statements by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD and Willie O’Dea TD that budget cuts are mere “increase moderations” are insulting the publics intelligence.

Their words do not disguise the fact there is a crisis in the public finances. Our State now teeters on the same financial foundations as Elan, Enron and WorldCom. It is important that we do not return to boom and bust. However, in executing cutbacks, our Government should be mindful of three things.

Firstly, that they display practical compassion for the weakest in our society by preserving certain departments from the axe.