TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny yesterday attempted to play down divisions between Fine Gael and Labour over proposed changes to the college grant system which may take farm ownership into account.

Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn’s proposal to broaden the means test for third-level student grants to include capital assets in addition to income has drawn criticism from farming groups and Fine Gael figures.

Speaking at the Michael Collins commemoration at Beal na Blath,Enda Kenny said that, while the Coalition partners might have a difference of emphasis and opinion, there could be “no personal views” when it came to such matters.

He said this is a matter which will be discussed by the Cabinet, and the Cabinet will make its decision in due course.

The Taoiseach also warned that December’s budget will be toughest yet.