McWilliams defends being paid €10,000 for think-in

LEADING economist David McWilliams has defended being paid €10,000 for the Farmleigh economic think-in, claiming waiving the fee would be like “asking a plumber to fix your drains for nothing”.

Speaking after it emerged he was paid the sum for organising the high-profile business event, Mr McWilliams said that it was unreasonable to assume he would not be paid for taking part.

The broadcaster confirmed other participants did not receive money for transport costs or attendance at the event, organised to help “reboot” the Irish economy.