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A newly-published political rich list has revealed Ireland’s wealthiest TDs

Published 15:21 13 May 2018 BST

Updated 17:45 13 May 2018 BST

Kate Demolder
A newly-published political rich list has revealed Ireland’s wealthiest TDs

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A political rich list has been compiled showing an estimated combined wealth of all TDs in Leinster House at over €216 million euro.

Ireland's wealthiest TDs have been revealed in a new political rich list, compiled by the Sunday Independent. The data shows that the estimated combined wealth of all the TDs in Leinster House in 2018 is over €216 million. The wealthiest of these has been named as the Tipperary representative Michael Lowry. The Independent TD is Ireland's richest politician, with an estimated worth of €6.4 million. In second place is Michael Healy-Rae, the Kerry TD who's been nicknamed "by far the biggest landlord in the Dáil," as he currently owns 10 rental properties. His estimated wealth stands at  €5.4 million. It's understood that over a quarter of Cabinet members own rental properties. Following Lowry and Healy-Rae are Richard Bruton, Sean Haughey and Enda Kenny in third, forth and fifth place, respectively. Education minister Richard Bruton is valued at just under €5 million. Healy-Rae's brother, Danny, also gets a mention. It's believed that the fellow Kerryman boasts assets valued at €1.6 million. There are currently 158 Teachta Dálas working in Ireland. It's believed that half of these are now worth more than €1 million. The list mostly represents male parliamentary figures, with just 11 female politicians thought to be worth €1 million or higher. The highest placed female on the list is Fine Gael politician and former-Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald at number 18. The newly-published list has brought up fresh discussions of public sector pension reform. Just last month, a list of Ireland's richest entertainers was published by The Sunday Times. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. graced the top spot, as U2 currently boast a combined net worth of an estimated €647 million.

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A newly-published political rich list has revealed Ireland's wealthiest TDs