Businessman stumps up for off-licence plane trip

A Co Meath-based businessman has paid €1800 to the department of defence to cover the cost incurred by the Tanaiste's controversial flight to open an off-licence in Co Leitrim in December.

Joe Fernandez, who is a progressive democrat member and stood for the party in the 1989 general election, gave a cheque for the amount to the Leitrim Observer newspaper yesterday.

The paper says the money will be accepted by the Department.

Mr Fernandez said he had not contacted the Tanaiste, but wanted to bring the matter to a close.

Ms Harney is said to have been taken aback by the development.