Fine Gael: Labour wrong about cuts

Fine Gael frontbench spokesman Leo Varadkar has claimed that Labours plan to go without major cuts in the next budget is not "credible".

Mr Varadkar added that the differences between Fine Gael and Labour were "not insurmountable", but clearly hinted that Labour would have to alter their pre budget plan.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore ruled out coalition with Sinn Féin, indicating that he was prepared to make the changes needed to accommodate Fine Gael.