€100k pensions for Cowen, Ahern

Former presidents, ministers, and judicial office holders cost the taxpayer €15.6m in pension and severance payments last year, according to figures released yesterday.

Former president Mary McAleese received a pension of €141,082 while her predecessor Mary Robinson was paid €134,883.

Two former taoisigh who oversaw the economic boom and subsequent crash received almost €200,000 in ministerial pension payouts on top of their TD pensions. Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern received €99,907. Other former leaders on the list were former Fine Gael Taoiseach John Bruton (€91,224), Albert Reynolds (€98,707), and Liam T Cosgrave who received a modest €18,703.