The Government is developing a plan to win over the so-called 'grey vote' in the next Budget by increasing the State pension by 5 euro a week.

The Sunday Independent reports that with more than 575-thousand pensioners in Ireland and no pensions hike since 2008, the coalition is determined to ensure elderly voters are "looked after" ahead of the general election.

A radical plan to offer special tax credits as an incentive to lure Irish people home from abroad is also being developed.

The paper also reports that Enda Kenny, if re-elected, will step down in 2018, once the target of "full employment" is achieved.