Soliders have sent a clear warning to the Fine Gael Labour Government that they will not tolerate any attempt to axe their allowances.

The troops are angry because the allowances are part of core pay.

Soldiers pay has already been slashed by a huge amount over the last few years with pay cuts, pension levies and the universal social charge. Soldiers will also face paying household, property and water charges along with other workers.

Soldiers expressed their anger in Kilkenny yesterday evening at the annual conference of their union PDFORRA.

Soldiers also expressed anger at the resurrection of a 'culture' of bullying in the service.