Menu
05/10/2009
Opposition Circle Ceann Comhairle Over Claims
The leaders of the main opposition parties have a attack on the Ceann Comhairle over new revelations about his expenses.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said last night Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue should "consider his position", while the Labour leader Eamon Gilmore called for a meeting of all party leaders to discuss the claims.
The leaders rallied after it emerged over the weekend that the Daíl speaker Mr O’Donoghue had claimed €90,000 in foreign travel since taking up office in June 2007. Over €45,000 was spent on foreign travel, €13,000 for car and limousine hire, and just under €5,000 spent on VIP lounges over the last 24 months.
These new figures come within weeks of O'Donoghue issuing a full apology after disclosures that while Minister for Sport and Tourism his expenses included €1,400-a-day for limousine hire in Cheltenham, €250 for a water taxi in Venice and the use of the government jet to attend a constituency event in Kerry.
Speaking during an interview last night, the Labour said that because of the independence of the Ceann Comhairle a meeting of the party leaders was necessary to deal with the controversy.
In a statement issued today he said: "I am very concerned at the damage that is being done to the office of Ceann Comhairle and to the body politic by the continuing controversy.
"The disclosures over recent months, including the documents placed in the Dail Library on Friday, would appear to suggest a pattern of extravagance which is unacceptable to the taxpayers who are paying the Bill."
(DW/KMcA)
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said last night Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue should "consider his position", while the Labour leader Eamon Gilmore called for a meeting of all party leaders to discuss the claims.
The leaders rallied after it emerged over the weekend that the Daíl speaker Mr O’Donoghue had claimed €90,000 in foreign travel since taking up office in June 2007. Over €45,000 was spent on foreign travel, €13,000 for car and limousine hire, and just under €5,000 spent on VIP lounges over the last 24 months.
These new figures come within weeks of O'Donoghue issuing a full apology after disclosures that while Minister for Sport and Tourism his expenses included €1,400-a-day for limousine hire in Cheltenham, €250 for a water taxi in Venice and the use of the government jet to attend a constituency event in Kerry.
Speaking during an interview last night, the Labour said that because of the independence of the Ceann Comhairle a meeting of the party leaders was necessary to deal with the controversy.
In a statement issued today he said: "I am very concerned at the damage that is being done to the office of Ceann Comhairle and to the body politic by the continuing controversy.
"The disclosures over recent months, including the documents placed in the Dail Library on Friday, would appear to suggest a pattern of extravagance which is unacceptable to the taxpayers who are paying the Bill."
(DW/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 March 2024
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
19 April 2024
Executive Urged To Take Action For Victims And Survivors
Victims and survivors of the Troubles are at risk of being left behind without urgent action from the Executive Office. The Alliance Party has raised the issue following what it described as a "constructive meeting" with the Victims and Survivors Service.
Executive Urged To Take Action For Victims And Survivors
Victims and survivors of the Troubles are at risk of being left behind without urgent action from the Executive Office. The Alliance Party has raised the issue following what it described as a "constructive meeting" with the Victims and Survivors Service.
21 January 2009
TDs & Senators Expenses Reformed
TDs and Senators could feel a pinch in their pockets as the current system of expenses is reformed. The Oireachtas Commission has recommended a revamping of the controversial system of expenses for TDs and senators, which could see their allowances reduced if they fail to turn up for sittings and committee meetings.
TDs & Senators Expenses Reformed
TDs and Senators could feel a pinch in their pockets as the current system of expenses is reformed. The Oireachtas Commission has recommended a revamping of the controversial system of expenses for TDs and senators, which could see their allowances reduced if they fail to turn up for sittings and committee meetings.
16 September 2009
O'Donoghue Breaks Silence Over Expenses
Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue chose yesterday's race meeting in Listowel to break his silence on the controversy surrounding his expenses claims. Mr O'Donoghue expressed "regret" over the expenses he had claimed while Minister for Arts, Sports & Tourism at the race meeting, but stopped short of an unqualified apology.
O'Donoghue Breaks Silence Over Expenses
Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue chose yesterday's race meeting in Listowel to break his silence on the controversy surrounding his expenses claims. Mr O'Donoghue expressed "regret" over the expenses he had claimed while Minister for Arts, Sports & Tourism at the race meeting, but stopped short of an unqualified apology.
08 March 2013
Former Ceann Comhairle Dr. John O'Connell Dies
The Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett TD has expressed his sincere sympathy to the family of former Ceann Comhairle Dr. John O'Connell who passed away peacefully earlier this morning.
Former Ceann Comhairle Dr. John O'Connell Dies
The Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett TD has expressed his sincere sympathy to the family of former Ceann Comhairle Dr. John O'Connell who passed away peacefully earlier this morning.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
