Kenny accuses Martin of gutter politics in pension payments clash

ENDA KENNY last night accused Micheál Martin of “descending into the gutter” as a bitter clash over pension payments dominated the election campaign.

The angry war of words exploded after the Fianna Fáil leader branded Mr Kenny a “rank hypocrite” for criticising severance payments for outgoing ministers.

Mr Martin seized on reports that the Fine Gael leader was due to receive a €100,000 lump sum payment from his teachers’ pension when he turned 60 in April as well as a €30,000 annual pension.