Government breaks pledge as State jobs move on hold

THE Government is set to break its promise on announcing the transfer of up to 10,000 State jobs from the capital before Christmas despite intense pressure from within Fianna Fáil and opposition parties.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tánaiste Mary Harney are both committed to starting the decentralisation programme, first mooted by Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy almost four years ago, before the end of this year.

Yet Mr McCreevy says he cannot say when the Government will make a decision on the matter to the frustration of his party's backbenchers and towns across the country.