Two former Longford councillors paid combined total of €144,000 in retirement gratuities

Two former Longford councillors were paid a total of over €144,000 in retirement gratuities, after stepping down at June's local elections.

Fianna Fáil's PJ Reilly got almost €90,000, before tax, after 20 years on Longford County Council.

Fine Gael's John Browne got almost €55,000 euro, before tax, for his 12-year term.

Mr Reilly says a large amount of tax was deducted from his payment.

Four other former councillors, who exited the council in June, will receive retirement payments when they reach 50 years of age - Gerry Warnock, Colin Dalton, Gerard Farrell and Colm Murray.

Mr Warnock is defending the payments.