Kenny gave former advisor a 35k pay increase, breaking pay cap.

[Lorcan Conroy]

The political class in this country, like many others, is corrupt to its core. Yet the electorate swallow the lies every five years and vote for the same well dressed gangsters time and time again. We the people, are idiots.

[tokkie]

Didn't this show up in a thread some time ago on breaches of the limit in general by new ministers?

Ye I thought a lot of this had been made public when these advisers were appointed.

[Mushroom]

I wonder whether any of these advisors get Added Years to their Pensions awarded to them when they took up their positions?

Advisor posts aren't pensionable. Instead, they get a lump sum when their political patron leaves government.

[darach]

This is shocking nothing ever changes

The euphoria surrounding the current government when it was first elected masked this cronyism going on in Fine Gael and Labour. Here is another example of the government's double standards but if you look at the date, you can see how this story was largely ignored:

14 advisers paid above Govt guidelines - RT News

This government basically consists of new faces but no new mantra. It even opposed a ban on corporate donations to political parties that FF proposed. People can say FF were hypocritical to bring it in but the government were the ones opposing the measure because they want to cash in on government. Jobs for the Boys are aplenty in FG and Labour it appears.

[Dougal]

Advisor posts aren't pensionable. Instead, they get a lump sum when their political patron leaves government.

Do you happen to know how the lump sum is calculated and is it taxable?

[Mushroom]

Ye I thought a lot of this had been made public when these advisers were appointed.

It was widely reported at the time. However one must remember that, as well as being highly susceptible to bouts of ersatz outrage, some p.ie posters are a bit slow!

Here's a comprehensive list - including pay rates - published a mere 5 months ago!

Many special advisers paid well above new Government guidelines - The Irish Times - Fri, Jul 08, 2011

[Teabag]

It's only cronyism appointments, when the other guys do it.......

This is just depressing. Where are the leaders we need now?

The only positive I can take from this is at least Enda is actually doing something. I thought he was just coasting but it seems he has been busy feather his own nest!

[Grey Area]

Ministers take the bus = Optics!

[tokkie]

It was widely reported at the time. However one must remember that, as well as being highly susceptible to bouts of ersatz outrage, some p.ie posters are a bit slow!

Here's a comprehensive list - including pay rates - published a mere 5 months ago!

Many special advisers paid well above new Government guidelines - The Irish Times - Fri, Jul 08, 2011

Thanks. I did have a feeling of deja vu there. Still doesn't make it right, but I am wondering why it is coming around again.

[Johnnybaii]

Well clearly it's not a FF trait. It appears that the former Opposition and now Government actually admired the antics of the last government. I would even argue that these sort of antics are worse than the conduct of the last government as FG/Labour were elected on a platform of changing the way we do politics in Ireland. The Taoiseach is going live to the nation tonight to tell us to tighten our belts, yet he finds sufficient money in the tax revenues of the State to pay a special adviser who will provide Enda with plenty of good soundbits.

Faux outrage from a dedicated FF hack like you does this important story a disservice.