Cowen has 'no problem' giving up pension increase

Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he would have no problem giving up a pension raise he is due under legislation on public sector pay.

Mr Cowen, along with his predecessor Bertie Ahern, are among those eligible for top ups over the next three years, as part of a side deal struck during negotiations ahead of the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

Both the Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Taoiseach Enda Kenny have said a small number of former politicians should consider forgoing the increase.

Fianna Fáil's finance spokesperson Michael McGrath has suggested that current legislation could be used to block former senior politicians from getting the pension increases.

Speaking to The Irish Times, Brian Cowen said he would have no problem with that suggestion.