Kenny and Adams clash over budget proposals

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has criticised Sinn Fein in heated Dáil exchanges with party leader Gerry Adams.

Mr Kenny said the party had nothing substantial to help the economies, north and south. “You should change your tune,’’ he added.

Mr Adams said that austerity was not working and the Government had a chance to change that in next week's budget.

“You should use the budget to turn the ship, to protect citizens, as opposed to following the diktat of the European leaders or, indeed, your own ideological position,” Mr Adams added.

He said while those on the live register, those forced to emigrate and the growing numbers waiting for hospital services did not create the crisis, they were carrying the burden.

“People need a break and in your heart-of-hearts you must know that,” said Mr Adams.

Mr Kenny said the Government had not signed off in the details of the budget, adding that the mandate given to Coalition was to fix the public finances in a way that would allow the country exit the bailout later this year.

The Government was also mandated to accelerate the number of new jobs created to provide growth in the economy. The framework for the budget had been accepted by the troika, the Taoiseach said.