Country can’t run without advisers, says Taoiseach

BERTIE AHERN yesterday insisted the Government would not be able to run the country without the €4m of taxpayers’ money it spends on spin doctors and advisers.

The Taoiseach was responding to a Fine Gael accusation it was unacceptable for the Health Minister’s wages bill for aides to triple in five years to €666,000, while the HSE was imposing a recruitment freeze on frontline staff.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny likened the Government to a baby as he asked Mr Ahern to justify the spending on public relations.