FF TDs pocket cabinet pay-offs

SENIOR Fianna Fáil TDs have defied an order by party leader Micheál Martin not to accept ministerial severance payments on top of their TD salaries.

Limerick City TD Willie O’Dea has taken €8,500 in “step-down” payments this year, on top of his Dáil salary of €92,000.

He claimed €54,000 in golden handshake payments in 2010 after being forced to resign as minister for defence in February 2010.