Varadkar backed for telling people they could afford holiday

ANGER aimed at a minister who boasted the looming budget would allow families to afford a holiday as it would only hit them by €6 a week was dismissed by Cabinet colleagues.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore led the defence of Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar after his comments drew criticism that he inhabited a “different world” to normal people.

Mr Varadkar sparked fury with remarks that were viewed as insensitive as the nation braces itself for next week’s budget, which is set to impose €3.8 billion worth of spending cuts and tax hikes.