28/12 The Front Pages

‘Melanie: my hurt over RTE tribute to Gerry’ – the Irish Independent

The late Gerry Ryan’s partner Melanie Verwoerd has revealed she was asked to partake in a documentary on the broadcaster’s life. The timing, however, couldn’t have been worse for the grieving Melanie. RTE bosses extended the invite just two days before Gerry’s inquest which revealed that cocaine likely triggered his fatal heart failure. The chiefs at Donnybrook also slapped a deadline on her interview, five days after the inquest. Ms Verwoerd rejected the invite.

‘Abortion an issue for all-party committee, says Kenny’ – the Irish Times

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has made his pre-election stance on the issue of abortion known. Kenny feels an all-party Oireachtas committee should deal with the issue rather than letting the people of Ireland decide in a referendum.

‘Four Fine Gael TDs still claim ministerial pension’ – the Irish Examiner

Fine Gael’s finance spokesman Michael Noonan is one of four of his party’s TDs who are continuing to claim ministerial pensions despite a decision made last April to forego the payment while still in office. Mr Noonan has earned €30,000 through his pension on top of his €90,000 TD salary.