State blasted as 'political hacks drain cash'

GOVERNMENT Ministers were accused last night of splashing out €3.5 million a year on dozens of new spindoctors, advisors and political hacks, while neglecting urgently needed public services.

Questions were raised over the value for money of the estimated annual wage bill for non-civil service staff, appointed since the 2002 general election, after fresh figures revealed the true extent of the cost to the taxpayer of political appointees.

Unlike normal State employees, politically appointed staff are hand picked by ministers and brought in to fulfil a specific political role.