Martin takes a hands-off approach to state pension

MICHEÁL MARTIN has said Fianna Fáil’s promise not to lower the state pension was policy platform and not an election ploy to retain support among the elderly.

He said for the past decade the Government has nudged up the pension payment to above €200 a week and he felt this was the right thing to do.

He said pensioners had “made their contribution to society” and they were not in competition with other welfare recipients who have had their entitlements cut.