‘I felt annoyed having to go public to get what we were entitled to’

FARMING wives who had their pensions reinstated have thanked those who supported their campaign, saying the issue was never about money but the injustice of their situation.

As the Government finally folded on its decision to cut pensions for hundreds of farming spouses, elderly wives said they were relieved not to have to pay huge sums of money – tens of thousands of euro for some – back to the state.

Margaret Ryan, 71, who shares a 44-acre farm with husband Christopher, 77, in Co Wexford, said the Government had given in because of public pressure.