Cross-party talks sought on expenses controversy

LABOUR Party leader Eamon Gilmore has called for an emergency meeting of all party heads to discuss the on-going controversy surrounding Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue’s expenses.

Latest figures from Mr O’Donoghue reveal how €45,000 was spent on foreign travel, €13,000 for car and limousine hire, and €5,000 on VIP lounges over the last two years.

These recent disclosures on Mr O’Donoghue’s spending “would appear to suggest a pattern of extravagance which is unacceptable to the taxpayers who are paying the bill,” Mr Gilmore said.