Cash-strapped Fine Gael lays off staff

Cash-strapped Fine Gael has laid staff off from its head office. Its state funding was reduced following its disastrous election.

The downsizing comes alongside a legal bill, believed to be about €500,000, relating to the action taken by former TD, John Perry, against party bosses.

That High Court settlement wiped out the funds raised by the party in its pre-election national draw.