Group concerned by `muted promises'

THE Chambers of Commerce of Ireland has expressed concern over the "muted promises" about public spending contained in election manifestos.

It has also said there is room for "greater consultation" with business by the political parties.

Only the PDs, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael make specific commitments in their manifestos to simplifying small business support and reducing the amount of bureaucracy involved, said the chamber's chief executive, Mr Simon Nugent.

A document outlining the business-related policies of all the political parties, as outlined in their manifestos, was circulated to all member-chambers last week.

Mr Nugent said given the current performance of "Ireland Inc", the chamber would like to see all parties with aspirations to govern committing themselves to keeping public spending well within the limit set by the Maastricht criteria. "Namely, a maximum of 3 per cent."