FIANNA Fail deputy leader, Ms Mary O'Rourke has questioned the decision by the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Bruton, to issue a joint statement with Tesco. She said the Minister may have compromised himself.

The statement, earlier this week, contained details of moves Tesco was making to reassure suppliers and others, following the announcement of its £630 million buyout of the Quinnsworth/Crazy Prices and Stewarts supermarket chains.

"Given that the Minister may be making a complaint to the EU about Tesco, it was unusual that he would issue a joint statement with them following his meeting on March 26th," she said. "One fears the Minister might have compromised himself."

Ms O'Rourke, who is also Fianna Fail's spokeswoman on Enterprise and Employment said Tesco would have to seek EU approval for the deal. "If there is any objection to this, the approval reverts to Minister Bruton and he has the right to set conditions. The Minister should have kept his distance from Teseo until all matters have been resolved," she said.