Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has said Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his predecessor must take responsibility for the economic downturn.
He was speaking on the first day of a special party meeting ahead of the Dáil term.
Labour TDs and Senators are gathering in Clonmel, Co Tipperary to discuss the party's priorities in the political term ahead.
The party leader is due to set out his proposals for economic recovery at the meeting.
Speaking earlier on the News At One, Mr Gilmore claimed that in particular Minister Brian Lenihan appeared to be out of his depth in the Department of Finance.
Mr Gilmore said the decision to move the Budget to October seemed to have been made for appearances only.
