Cowen won’t ‘call the bluff’ of TDs with pensions

DEMANDS to “call the bluff” of sitting TDs who insist on claiming ministerial pensions by banning the practice outright have been strongly rejected by Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the payments should be outlawed and those who continue to insist on the pensions would then be forced to take court action to save the contentious financial package and risk outraging public opinion if they did so.

As the opposition parties moved to seize the political initiative over anger at well paid TDs, senators and MEPs drawing down lucrative state pensions while still being paid as public representatives, Mr Cowen attacked the idea that laws could be passed that may not stand up to constitutional scrutiny.