Sour Grapes? Government Defends €70,000 Spend on Wine

We enjoy a glass of wine as much as the next man or woman… but not quite as much as our nation’s government it seems.

It has emerged that the country’s leaders have spent €77,000 on wine to replenish cellars at the Department of Foreign Affairs ahead of the EU Presidency.

According to The Irish Independent, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has defended the spend, which included 24 bottles of one especially fine selection – a Chateau Lynch at €79 per bottle.

Mr Varadkar said "the Government needs to be very sensitive about what we do and how we spend money".

"At the same time, the European Presidency is a real opportunity for Ireland.

"It is important we treat visiting delegates in a way we would expect to be treated, particularly if we want them to make concessions to Ireland that are worth billions of euros."

Varadkar thinks the spend is justified...

We’re no experts, but if they need help finding something nice for under a tenner we're offering our services for the next shopping trip…