Sweet profit for senator from sale of chocolate firm

FIANNA Fáil Senator Mary White is set to net up to €1.2 million from the sale of Lir, the chocolate making company she co-founded. Ms White owns 15.2% of the company, which yesterday agreed to an €8m takeover by British firm Zetar.

Senator White is married to Pádraic O’Connor, the multimillionaire former NCB Stockbrokers managing director.

She founded Lir, which produces its own range of luxury chocolates and has the rights to market Baileys chocolates in Ireland, Britain and several European markets, in 1987 with Connie Doody. Ms Doody will also make up to €1.2m from the sale.