'The coalition's risky gamble risks hitting confidence, growth and jobs' - Darling

Shadow Chancellor Alistair Darling, commenting on reports today that the Irish economy has fallen back in to recession, said:

"Today's data showing that the Irish economy has fallen back into recession demonstrates very clearly the risks with the approach being followed here in the UK.

The coalition thinks that cuts, however big, will always support growth. In times like these this is plain wrong. Ireland has gone through major cuts and tax rises, but because growth has been hit getting the deficit down is harder not easier. The coalition is going down the same road, and their risky gamble risks hitting confidence, growth and jobs."