Ireland unveils hard but "rational" budget; No change to corp tax rate

Finance minister Brian Lenihan said such "exceptional times" justified exceptional measures as he outlined plans to cut public sector pensions and slash child benefit. But he said there will be no change to its corporate tax rate which he said is a "top priority". "This is a sensible, rational plan which is proportional in the circumstances we find ourselves," he told the Irish Parliament. He added the budget "strikes the right balance" given the circumstances the country is facing. Lenihan announced child benefits will be cut by €10 per month for the first two children and €20 for...