Roche defends Ceann Comhairle on expenses

A MINISTER admitted staying in a €1,500 a night Paris hotel, in defence of “humble” Dáil Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue as new revelations over the lavishness of his taxpayer-funded trips abroad emerged.

Europe Minister Dick Roche said he was appalled to discover the cost of the Parisian hotel he was booked into as he pleaded for greater understanding of Mr O’Donoghue’s position.

The defence came as it emerged Mr O’Donoghue hired a chauffeur to ferry him around Cheltenham at a cost of €1,400 a day for five days while “Minister for Fun”.