Anger at TDS who skip Dáil for rugby tour

THE decision by a group of TDs to skip the first two weeks of the Dáil term to play rugby in Australia was last night condemned as unjustifiable and “stupid”.

The eight deputies four each from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were due to return to Leinster House this week after a 14 week break.

Last night, Dáil colleagues said the trip would do little to dispel widespread public cynicism about politicians' productivity and holidays at a time they were receiving unprecedented wage rises.