Rip Off Republic - TV show has embarrassed Government

THE tetchy reaction of Progressive Democrat Junior Minister Tim O’Malley to over-pricing exposed by the popular TV show Rip Off Republic suggests that financial guru Eddie Hobbs has scored a palpable hit.

By turning the spotlight on the scandal of over-charging in Ireland, Hobbs has revealed the inadequacy of Tánaiste and PD leader Mary Harney’s glib advice to consumers, telling them to shop around for better value.

Illustrating this point, the cost of private health insurance for Irish consumers has rocketed by 63% in the past seven years. This includes next Thursday’s 12.5% hike in VHI prices, sanctioned by Health Minister Harney, plus an annual 6% increase by BUPA Ireland.