The collapse of the partnership talks just five days before the Budget marks the end of a disastrous week for the Government and the country, with Fianna Fáil changing its strategy from one day to the next, Fine Gael Deputy Leader & Finance Spokesman Richard Bruton TD has warned.

“The Government’s disastrous handling of the social partnership talks beggars belief, and marks a new low in Brian Cowen’s premiership. Fianna Fáil has been at sea from day one, changing its mind on a regular basis and making up its strategy on the hoof.

“So it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that the talks have broken down. It must have been impossible for the unions to negotiate with a Government which is clearly divided, which doesn’t know its own mind, and which changes tack from one day to the next.

“There are just five days left to the Budget. The Government has dragged Ireland to the brink of disaster. But there is still time for Brian Cowen and Brian Lenihan to wake up, get a grip and sort out this mess.

“Ireland needs a coherent plan for economic renewal, involving some tough decisions. This will require some cost reductions in the public service. And it must start with a jobs strategy. Fine Gael has produced just such an alternative, a plan to protect public services and create the space for a new jobs strategy.

“Fine Gael’s plans will take 50,000 people off the live register next year, and 175,000 by 2013. Our Jobs Budget includes €1.3 billion of tax cuts designed to stimulate job creation, youth unemployment measures, a major cut in employers’ PRSI, and an €18 billion infrastructure NewERA stimulus plan.

“By contrast, the Government has done nothing to promote job creation.

“The private and public sector depend on each other, and have a common interest in rebuilding a strong jobs economy. But it takes strong leadership and strong Government to bring the two together. This is singularly lacking from the current Fianna Fáil administration.”