Politicians’ perks - Patrick’s Day flight fuels public cynicism

THE traditional St Patrick’s Day holiday has already got under way in Dáil Éireann as TDs packed their bags for the festivities at close of business yesterday.

Further fuelling perceptions of the perks they enjoy, they won’t be back in Leinster House until March 21.

Meantime, the annual exodus of ministers is about to begin. Despite growing public concerns about such vexed issues as appalling overcrowding of accident and emergency wards, and the need for more decisive Government action in the face of mounting crime, leading members of the Coalition will leave the country in droves.