Cabinet rallies to defence of Harney

CABINET colleagues came to the defence of Health Minister Mary Harney yesterday after she became embroiled in the Fás expenses controversy.

On Wednesday night, Ms Harney confirmed that she was responsible for some, but not all, of a $410 bill incurred at a beauty salon in West Cocoa Beach, Florida, and charged to a Fás credit card.

Ms Harney said her portion of the bill arose from standard wash and blow dries in preparation for official engagements. But Fine Gael claimed her position had become untenable both because of her role in the expenses controversy and her handling of the health portfolio.