Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte said he wanted no “red line” areas in discussions.

Sorry, what?

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin said he would not be “prescriptive” in discussions on the budget for next year.

Come again?

Both tax rises and welfare cuts were trenchantly ruled out by the Government for last year’s budget. However, to fulfil its pledges in the EU-IMF bailout the Government has to make cuts of €3.5 billion next year.

So…

The comments by the two Labour Ministers have raised speculation that both areas are back on the budget agenda.

Oh great.

Ministers won’t rule out tax rises (Irish Times)

(Photocall Ireland)