Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has described the Government's decision to postpone its pay rise as a hypocritical decision by a hypocritical government.
Speaking at Leinster House, Mr Kenny said the decision was a sham and a veneer and that it would not wash with the public.
ICTU General Secretary David Begg said the decision was wise in terms of public perception. However, he said it would not have any bearing on pay negotiations.
The Taoiseach earlier told the Dáil the Government had decided to put back the first part of the pay increases awarded to Ministers and Ministers of State by one year.
Mr Ahern said the other parts of the pay rises were being put back to 2009 and 2010.
He said that was being done as the November Exchequer figures were not as good as had been hoped, and because the state finances were in a tighter position.
There had been increasing speculation that the wage rises might be deferred.
The Government had come under pressure from trade unions to act ahead of the next round of national pay talks, which start in February.
