Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has accused Tánaiste Joan Burton of being the "architect of austerity" at a gathering on Saturday.

Mr Adams said the Labour Party leader helped negotiate the programme for Government.

“Those policies have forced almost half a million of our people to flee abroad in search of work,” he said.

“As a senior Cabinet member, Joan Burton has overseen the implementation of water charges, the property tax, cuts to child benefit, removal of medical cards, cuts to health and welfare, and a succession of stealth taxes.

“There is now a deep sense of betrayal among former Labour voters at the actions of that party in Government.”

Mr Adams, who was speaking to a group of party members in Cahir, Co Tipperary, warned against next election campaign "descending into auction politics" and election promises being made that would not be kept.

“This will do nothing to address the serious needs of our society,” he said.

“It will not do anything to re-build our battered public services, tackle the scandal of hospital overcrowding, or build affordable childcare provision.”

“I believe that a Citizens’ Charter could form the basis for a new departure in Irish politics.”