Taxpayers facing 'premium' bill for new govt jet

Irish taxpayers may have to pay a 'premium' price for the Government's new jet if the Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats coalition wants to have the aircraft in operation before Ireland takes over the EU presidency next January.

The cabinet agreed to buy the €50m-plus jet yesterday, but delivery of such aircraft usually takes up to 18 months, according to reports this morning.

This means that Irish taxpayers may have to pay above the odds to get the jet in operation in time for January 2004.