FLYNN TROUBLE AGAIN; Fianna Fail's Beverley clings to EUR41k payment for being Independent TD.

Byline: BY SARAH BARDON

BRIAN Cowen is to confront TD Beverley Flynn over a EUR41,000-a-year Independent TD payment - even though she is back in Fianna Fail.

The Taoiseach confirmed yesterday he will quiz the Mayo deputy, who was readmitted to his party in April but maintains she is "entitled" to the special allowance.

The Mayo politician, RTE revealed, advised bank customers how to avoid tax and then lost a libel case against the station at an eventual cost of EUR1.2million.

Mr Cowen said: "I'll have to take the matter up with Deputy Flynn herself. I have to give her the opportunity to talk to me about it.

"We'll end up with whatever is appropriate being done."

Ms Flynn insisted she would keep the cash until 2012 - on top of her salary of EUR106,581 and expenses.

She said: "You get the additional allowance based on what you are when you are elected.

"I am entitled to the allowance and I'll use it for the benefit of my constituents and it is badly needed."

She added independents have to set up constituency offices and said: "I set up that structure over five years ago and paid for it out of my own pocket."

One Fianna Fail TD, who did not want to be named, said: "At any time it would be wrong but particularly when people are stretched.

"For her to be taking that sort of money is not on. It just gives all politicians a bad name."

CAPTION(S):

DEFIANT Beverley Flynn