Fine Gael TD to replace wife as assistant after controversy

The wife of embattled Fine Gael TD, John Perry, is to be replaced as his assistant following an uproar when it emerged he had appointed her to the taxpayer-funded role.

After mounting criticism of his behaviour, the former minister broke his silence to say that his wife, Maria, was only intended to fill the post on a temporary basis.

The move came after Taoiseach Enda Kenny made clear his displeasure at the appointment after he branded it “unwise”.