Corrupt politicians' pensions 'can be stopped'

The pensions of people found guilty of "misconduct" and "corruption" could be stopped, according to a Minister of State.
Junior Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Costello told RTÉ's The Week in Politics that this would require a constitutional referendum if it is to cover people named in the Mahon Tribunal Report.
He said it is a matter that should be looked at and added that it could be considered by the Constitution Convention that the Government plans to establish.
Fianna Fáil's Seán Ó Fearghaíl said he would have no problem in supporting legislation to back this proposal.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Justice spokesman Dara Calleary said the agenda of next Friday's meeting of the party's National Executive will be unaffected by the announcement by former leader Bertie Ahern that he is to resign from the party.
A vote on expelling Mr Ahern from Fianna Fáil will not now be held, but a recommendation that there should be a root and branch review of the organisation in Dublin Central, Mr Ahern's constituency, will be tabled.
Motions for the expulsion of other members will also be considered at the meeting which was called by party leader Micheál Martin.
Mr Calleary told RTÉ News that the fallout from the Mahon Tribunal report would still be considered and there had been no formal contact from Mr Ahern.
In an article in today's Irish Times, Mr Ahern says resigning from Fianna Fáil had been a "real emotional wrench" because the party had been an integral part of his life for forty years.
He re-iterates his contention, made in yesterday's Sunday Independent, that he never took a corrupt payment and that he told the Mahon Tribunal the truth.
He stressed that his decision to resign was a political decision, and not in any way an admission of wrongdoing.
Mr Ahern also says he appreciates the gesture of all those who have contacted him to wish him well.