Kenny’s pay cut catches out front benchers

IS Enda Kenny the peddler of populist nonsense or principled leadership?

The shadow cabinet members flanking him left Fine Gael’s pre-budget briefing some €5,300 poorer yesterday after their leader announced he was giving himself a 5% pay cut to show solidarity with those feeling the strain in these recessionary times.

“Sorry to land you in that there, lads,” he told his colleagues when he thought the microphones were switched off after the two men were given little choice but to publicly follow his example.