Ahern claims Govt has not made cutbacks
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has claimed that the Government has not introduced any cutbacks in public spending and has denied that Fianna Fail misled the public during the general election campaign.
Speaking in Dublin, Mr Ahern said the fact that public spending is up 14% shows that there have not been any cutbacks.
His comments come despite a government order to reduce spending in most departments which has led to the cancellation of contracts, the withdrawal of funding and the loss of jobs.
