Ahern defends huge pay rise amid opposition criticism

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has defended the €38,000 pay rise he was awarded yesterday by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration.

The body has recommended that Mr Ahern's salary be increased to €310,000 per annum to match the equivalent private-sector wage.

The opposition has expressed anger at the move, but Mr Ahern says the review body is an independent organisation and its recommendations will be implemented by the Government.