Let’s not let the exuberance of tonight’s TV3 debate chaired by #vinb get all the limelight. RTE.ie reports that Bertie Ahern has allegedly claimed over €367k in expenses for secretarial services since 2008. Another €10k came in the form of mobile phone expenses:

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has received more than €10,655 in mobile phone expenses from the Department of the Taoiseach since he stepped down in 2008.

Mr Ahern has also claimed another €367,184 under the scheme to employ secretarial assistants.

All expenses were claimed under a scheme to help former Taoisigh with administration after they leave office.

The figures were contained in an answer to a Parliamentary Question asked by Labour TD for Wicklow, Anne Ferris.

Read the full story at RTE.ie. Do.

Just have tomorrow’s Sunday Independent to hand this evening. It leads with the story of the Listowel sexual assault case. Consumer confidence is up following the Budget.

While below the fold, Brendan O’Connor moves into McWilliamslandia with easy turns on phrase metaphorising on Ahern, the Budget and our economic legacy.

Inside, in the Life Magazine The Apprentice’s Bill and Jackie plus the usual Irish renta-celebs (Lorraine Keane, Niall Quinn & Fam and Barry Egan plus newcomer the Breffmeister) share their Christmas Day. Mistletoelicious!