A CLASSIC case of the pot calling the kettle black by Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy this week.

Murphy took a dim view of remarks made by Xavier Debrun of the IMF, who rejected the notion that Europe’s new stability treaty would destroy the Irish economy.

Debrun, deputy chief of the IMF’s fiscal policy and surveillance division, said the agreement reflected a “common sense” approach to fiscal policy. He said the fund had a generally positive view of it, although many implementation issues had to be thought through.

He said the treaty was designed to ensure that governments paid their way and he disputed the argument that it would entrench austerity in economic policy. “Austerity is not responsibility. These are two different things.”

MEP Murphy rushed out a press release slamming Debrun’s assertion that passing the treaty would not lead to permanent austerity.

“The IMF is an unaccountable and unelected body that should not interfere in the democratic process in Ireland,” he thundered.

“There is no difference between the agenda of the EU, ECB or the IMF. They are all driven by a desire to see austerity implemented.

“A no vote is vital in the defence of living standards and to strike a blow against their austerity policies,” said Murphy, currently toiling in Europe under another man’s mandate.

He replaced Joe Higgins when he was elected to the Dáil and wasn’t even Joe’s sub in the last European Parliament election.

Unelected MEP criticises unelected IMF man. It’s a funny old world.