Ridge: I’m being used as scapegoat over payments

A Fine Gael councillor named in the Mahon Report has claimed she is being used as a Quarryvale payments “scapegoat” while more senior officials facing “identical” questions are cleared of wrongdoing.

Therese Ridge staunchly defended her reputation last night after a Fine Gael committee set up in response to the Mahon Tribunal revelations found her guilty of bring the party into disrepute last Thursday.

The South Dublin County Council member has been given until this Thursday to resign from any committee connected to her local government position.