Opposition riled by junior numbers

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern’s decision to increase the number of junior ministers was again criticised by the opposition yesterday.

Honing in on the increase in FF ministers, the Labour Party reinforced its view that there was no justification for the increase, which it said would cost the taxpayer an additional €1.2 million per annum.

The party also criticised FF for now having half of its parliamentary party in positions such as ministries and committee chairs, which attracted extra salaries.