METRO FREE Monday, December 14, 2009 HELP METRO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT. RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER TODAY INSIDE TODAY Claire Keegan: Page 14 Rural renewal of award-winning short story scribe See Page 3 20m see Joe crowned No.1 on X Factor PLUS Whats on TV tonight Pages 16-17 THE standoff between the Govern- ment and public sector unions intensi- fied last night when Finance Minister Brian Lenihan threatened to cut pay further if more industrial action leads to a worsening of the States finances. What will inevitably happen in time is a further loss of morale in the public services, and what will inevita- bly happen in time if the finances continue to deteriorate as a result is further reductions, he said. I dont want that, he added. I would far prefer to make the savings next year through improved performance. outraged over pay cuts unleashed in last weeks Budget. He said they have ruled out any chance of renewed talks with the Government. The Budget cuts mean lowest-paid public and civil servants on salaries up to 30,000 will suffer a five per cent drop, while those on higher sala- ries will take reductions between five and 15 per cent. Along with pension levies brought in earlier this year, the drop means 55,000 workers who take home less than 30,000 a year have now taken a 3,500 pay cut, said Mr McLoone. Impact union leader Peter McLoone said the ministers comments were provocative and unnecessary. Hed now be the fourth minister since the Budget to come out and threaten public servants again, he said. They werent as threatening to the people who caused the problem, thats the way members will see this. Earlier in the day, Mr McLoone warned industrial action was immi- nent as public sector workers remain BY ROSS McDONAGH Minister: Strikeand well cut pay again Picture: EPA Angry protester smacks Silvio in the Italian gob ITALIAN premier Silvio Berlusconi had his nose and teeth broken by a man who hurled a plaster model of Milans cathedral from close range as Mr Berlusconi signed autographs after a rally in the city. TV footage showed the stunned leader with blood under his nose and on his mouth as he was lifted to his feet by aides. The 73-year-old was hustled into the safety of car, but he got back out, apparently in an effort to show he was not badly injured. Aides pulled him back into the vehicle again and he was taken to a hospital, where he was due to be kept in overnight. A 42-year-old man with a history of mental problems was immediately arrested as the suspected assailant. Stunned: Berlusconis face is bloody after the attack index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html