Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has been accused of allowing his leadership ambitions for Fine Gael to affect the upcoming budget.

The claim comes from Fianna Fáil, over a plan to either delay or reduce any possible hike in the State pension.

Leader Micheal Martin says his party is still in talks to try and secure a €5 increase in the pension.

He also says his party will not accept any plans to delay the increase until after January.

Fine Gael is said to be looking at either lowering or delaying any increase, in order to save money for other uses.

Mr Martin last night said the talks were still ongoing - but refused to describe the row as a red line issue.

While he has also accused Mr Varadkar of allowing his leadership ambitions for Fine Gael to affect the budget.