ESB chief criticises 'negative' tone of McCarthy report

The Chief Executive of the ESB has criticised what he called the negative tone adopted in Colm McCarthy's report towards the semi-state company.

Speaking at a lunch held by the Chartered Accountants of Ireland, Padraig McManus said the report contained errors in relation to the ESB's pension figures but he conceded that the electricity supplier has a cost base issue that needs to be addressed.

The recent McCarthy report recommends the break up of the ESB and the sale of its power plants, energy supply businesses and international operations.