The author of the 'Bord Snip' report says Ireland will be in even deeper financial trouble next year unless next month's Budget is passed.
However, Colm McCarthy says its up to the Government to find a fair way of imposing €4bn worth of cuts.
He says the Budget is going to be a big test for trade unions, but the Government is right to seek their support for the cuts which need to be made.
However he says if the Budget is not passed, Ireland will be in even more trouble.