A series of budget measures aimed at winning over public support which came into effect yesterday risk being undermined by the fact a €3,600 TDs’ pay hike was also introduced at the same time, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

Hundreds of county and city councillors will benefit from a €3,500-a-year pay hike under measures being put forward by Local Government Minister Simon Coveney.

The latest public pay increases have not been budgeted for and will pose a “significant challenge”, politicians have been told.

The Government has avoided potential industrial action by bringing forward a €1,000 pay increase for public workers.