Political costs must be reduced further, say Greens

Green Party chairperson senator Dan Boyle has said Budget measures to reduce political costs should not be introduced in any delayed way.

These measures included cutting ministerial pensions in office, closing teaching positions held open for serving members of the Oireachtas and withholding long service increments,

"It is important that these measures are implemented quickly and without conditions, as to pull back from them now would create a justified public cynicism about the willingness of the political system to endure cuts being experienced everywhere else in public expenditure," said Boyle.

"The Green Party believes that necessary legislation should be implemented and if there are individuals who feel that their personal situation is compromised by such legislation - let that legislation be contested in the courts."