Irish journalists angry at lack of pensions

Journalists working for an Irish company controlled by Lord Kilclooney (the former Unionist politiciam, John Taylor) are angry at the failure to introduce a pension scheme. The only retirement entitlement available to staff at Kilclooney's Alpha newspaper group - which includes titles such as the Midland Tribune, Tullamore Tribune, Roscommon Champion and Longford News - does not require any employer contribution. According to "staff sources", Kilclooney offered them a choice last year of a 3% pay rise or a new pension scheme with an employer contribution, saying he couldn't afford both. He will enjoy generous pensions from his political posts, but said his own arrangements were "personal" and it was "gutter journalism" to link the two issues. (Via Sunday Times (Ireland))