FF councillor pays own way to Shanghai

A FIANNA FÁIL politician paid for her own flights and expenses on a city council-led delegation to China, it emerged last night.

Cork-based councillor Mary Shields confirmed that she dipped into her own pockets to the tune of more than €1,400 for the Shanghai visit despite the fact that public funds were available to cover the costs.

Concerns were raised last month when it emerged that the council has spent almost €37,000 of public money over the last two years on seven official trips to Shanghai — its highest profile twin city.