Irish government faces rebellion over state pensions

Members of Ireland’s largest political party Fianna Fail are threatening to resign the party whip and vote against the government if it cuts state pensions.

Noel O'Flynn, the teachta dala (TD) or member of parliament for Cork North Central, says he will vote against the budget if it includes any reduction in state pensions.

Fianna Fail rules the Irish parliament Dail Eireann in coalition with the Green Party.

The government spends €9bn on state pensions per year, or 15% of total spending, and is looking to cut public costs.

O'Flynn says people depending on state pensions had made huge contributions to society by working all their lives, after a government spokesman said pension cuts might be part of the budget.

Mr O'Flynn told the Irish Times: "I cannot accept that element of the budget. I hope it will not be included.

"If it is included I will resign the whip on the day and vote against it."

O'Flynn said there were "five or six" other Fianna Fail TDs who may rebel against pension cuts.

TDs Chris Andrew and Mary O'Rourke said on Monday they would oppose pension cuts, as has the deputy leader of the Green Party Mary White.