The Socialist Party has accused Michael Noonan of putting a gun to the heads of Irish voters – by claiming his next budget would be dramatically more difficult if the EU fiscal treaty is rejected.
Launching its campaign for a NO vote – the Socialist party says the government wants to write austerity into law – by passing the treaty.
The party says it will print thousands of posters – and over a million leaflets – in what will be its biggest referendum campaign ever.
And the party’s MEP Paul Murphy is rejecting claims by the Finance Minister Michael Noonan that December’s budget would be dramatically tougher if Ireland fails to ratify the treaty.