Ireland pushes through third of four budget votes

Ireland's parliament pushed through the third major vote underpinning the 2011 budget on Friday, setting the stage for its expected approval next month.
Deputies in the lower chamber passed the financial emergency measures in the public interest bill, which covers cuts to public sector pensions and the minimum wage.
A final vote on taxation measures will be taken early next year, paving the way for Prime Minister Brian Cowen to call an early parliamentary election.