The Labour leader’s launched a vicious attack on the Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil over the budget.

Eamon Gilomore’s told the Dáil that “twice in a generation they’ve brought the country to ruin”.

Brian Cowen has publicly declared Sean Lemass as his inspiration, but Mr Gilmore says for Fianna Fáil to describe themselves as Republicans is grotesque.

“Sean Lemass believed in public service and believed in a strong State sector in the Irish economy” he said.

“Fianna Fail are no longer the party of Lemass – Fianna Fail are now the Celtic Tories”.

“This budget is a Tory dream come to life; hammer public services, attack public servants, kick the poor, and let the wealthy and the influential off scott-free” he added.