Building materials firm bosses paid like kings

EUGENE MURTAGH, who stepped down as chief executive of building materials group Kingspan, earned just shy of €1 million last year.

According to the company's annual report, Mr Murtagh, now the chairman, earned €980,000 in 2004, a €267,000 rise on what he was paid the previous year.

His pay comprised a basic salary of €420,000; bonus of €210,000; pension contribution of €315,000 and other fees of €35,000.