Mary’s our most expensive president

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese’s seven-year term has cost over €50 million, making her by far the most expensive occupant of Áras an Uachtaráin.

Despite the largely ceremonial role of the office, the presidential costs have escalated sharply since Mary McAleese was inaugurated in November 1997.

Compared to the €3.3m cost of Mary Robinson's final year, the McAleese presidency is this year expected to cost the exchequer close to €8m.