McDowell ‘trying to buy votes with pledges’

TÁNAISTE Michael McDowell has rejected suggestions the Progressive Democrats are trying to “buy” the next election by promising to increase the Old Age Pension to €300 a week.

In party publicity material published yesterday, Mr McDowell said his plans to increase the pension would have “enormous benefits” for pensioners.

But he was immediately accused of engaging in “auction politics”, an accusation he denied.