Mansergh compared to Marie Antoinette

THE recession is good news for the “so-called gap” between rich and poor, a minister claimed last night.

Minister of State at the Finance Department Martin Mansergh was compared to Marie Antoinette for his “out of touch” comments by opposition TDs.

Mr Mansergh drew heavy fire for claiming Ireland had done “pretty well” in wealth distribution, as it is midway in the table of western countries, and this would improve in the downturn.