Bodies using taxpayers’ money to lobby against cuts ‘ludicrous’

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan has threatened to “crack down” on public bodies using taxpayers’ money to fund campaigns against proposed spending cuts.

Mr Lenihan said it was “ludicrous” that some public bodies were hiring consultants to lobby against the cuts proposed by Bord Snip.

That group, chaired by economist Colm McCarthy, recommended €5.3 billion in cuts across the public sector, and the proposals have met with fierce opposition.