Leo Varadkar using pensions as ‘soap box’, says Dara Calleary

A senior Fianna Fáil TD has accused Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar of using an ongoing stand-off over unresolved budget plans as “a soap box for leadership ambitions”.

Opposition public expenditure and reform spokesman Dara Calleary made the remark 24 hours after the Fine Gael TD claimed Fianna Fáil was “throwing shapes and flying kites” over the same situation.

Speaking to reporters in Leinster House as budget negotiations intensify, Mr Calleary said despite Mr Varadkar’s criticism over his party’s policies, the comments are more to do with internal Fine Gael issues than next year’s spending plans.