Irish Opposition Leader Blasts Cowen Over Economy

The Opposition Leader in the Irish Republic, Enda Kenny, has lambasted Taoiseach Brian Cowen for ignoring the economic trends that led to the current financial slump.

The Fine Gael TD, speaking at Humbert Summer School in Co Mayo, blasted the Taoiseach for claiming house prices were founded on "strong fundamentals", amid warnings from the International Monetary Fund that the market was overvalued.

Mr Kenny said the current economic situation had resulted in the government looking like "a rabbit caught in the headlights".

As a former Trade Minister, Mr Kenny advised against further government borrowing to combat financial problems.

He said these problems had been the outcome of "reckless spending".

Increased market competition and fewer cutbacks are needed, in order to resuscitate the economy, according to Mr Kenny.

He called for "real reform" of the public service with abolition of waste and reward for performance and delivery.

Mayo TD Mr Kenny accused Taoiseach Cowen of boring a hallmark of failure during his first 100 days in office.

Defence Minister Willie O'Dea has described Enda Kenny's comments as the same "old tired, empty arguments".

Mr O’Dea said: "Nobody in this country believes for a moment that Enda Kenny - the Dumbledore of Castlebar - will come riding in on a white horse to wave a magic wand and instantly transform this economy while the rest of the western world remains mired in the worst economic downturn in recent history."

Minister O'Dea said in spite of all the rehetoric, the economic policy of the Opposition party could be boiled down to two things: vulgar abuse and the sacking of junior ministers.

(PR)