Opposition says Budget should not harm less well-off
Opposition parties are pleading with Finance Minister Brian Lenihan not to impose any further hardship on the less well-off in society when he unveils his Budget this afternoon.
The Budget is set to the toughest in a generation following the massive deterioration in the public finances this year.
Labour Party TD Roisín Shortall insisted today that the most vulnerable members of society must be protected, while the Minister should also ensure that the measures he introduces will create economic growth and jobs.
Fine Gael TD Michael Ring, meanwhile, says tax increases and cutbacks should target those who can afford to pay, while people on social welfare should be protected.
