Áras costs doubled since McAleese took office

THE cost of running Áras an Uachtaráin has more than doubled since President Mary McAleese took up residence in 1997.

Department of Finance figures show that the estimated yearly allocation to the President has risen from €928,000 in 1997 to an estimated €1,985,000 this year.

In 1990, when Mary Robinson took office, the presidential budget was just €341,000.