He says so far he has only had the scantiest of briefings on the Government's proposals, and cannot be expected to sign up to measures that he is not fully aware of.

"I have been told for some weeks now that I would be fully informed before final decisions were taken, yet now I discover that a package of proposals is to be released next week, before I have any direct knowledge of them."

"It is quite unacceptable, and I am astounded that given the defence expenditure debacle earlier this week the Government has got itself into the same pickle so quickly once again."

"Throughout the life of this Government, United's position on support for it has remained constant: where it implements policies that accord with our general principles and policies I am happy to support it."

"However, that carries the strong implication that we must be involved in those decisions, and not taken for granted."

"In the case of roading reform that has not been the case, and the Government must understand that mere after-the-fact information, after much of the detail has been released to the media, hardly counts as consultation!"

"Nor is it the sort of approach that is likely to win support for its plans," he says.

Mr Dunne says he has particular concerns about a rise in petrol taxes as a trade-off for a reduction in rates.

"I do not think that will be particularly even-handed, especially without a cast-iron guarantee from local authorities that they will reduce their rate demands, something which seems unlikely at this stage."

"On that basis, all we will be left with is increased costs to motorists for no measurable gain elsewhere," he says.

ENDS