Senator David Norris hits out at ‘bloody thin’ salaries TDs are paid

A leading senator has hit out at the “bloody thin” salaries TDs are paid, claiming politicians who have lost their seats will be forced to survive on “very little” parachute supports after they leave office.

David Norris made the claim as new TDs arrived in Leinster House, saying those they are replacing have “passed out into the desert with a family and no income”.

Despite the fact TDs receive a basic salary of €87,258 a year, plus expenses, the Trinity College senator claimed the money is no reward for a life in politics.