Shatter accused of hiding behind top brass on army jobs

The defence minister is under fire again amid growing confusion over the future of up to 250 army jobs at Cork’s Collins Barracks.

Fianna Fáil’s finance spokesman Michael McGrath accused Minister Alan Shatter last night of failing to allay troops’ fears after updating Oireachtas members on his Defence Forces restructuring plan.

The figures Mr Shatter presented run contrary to what officers have told soldiers on the ground.