Fianna Fáil hits back at Kenny over payoff row

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been accused of being a "latter day gombeen" after criticising former Fianna Fáil ministers for cashing in severance payments from their time in office.

A row broke out between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil yesterday over which TDs had previously drawn down severance payments.

It came as Alan Shatter, who recently resigned as justice minister, announced he would give up his right to €70,000 in severance pay and instead donate funds to a children’s charity.