Cost of interim directors revealed

And when it came to discussing extending both contracts our councillors closed the doors and conducted the debate in secret.

At Monday night's council meeting councillors went into committee to discuss extending the contracts of both the interim chief executive and interim leisure services director. The Press and public are excluded from 'in committee' sessions.

During a Policy and Resources Committee meeting last month councillors discussed the future of both positions as the existing contracts end in June, when the new authority of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council was expected to be designated.

Three options were considered including allowing current directors to 'act-up'.

Following a vote a recommendation went forward to the full council meeting on Monday to renew the contracts for another three months with further month-by-month options after that.

In the aftermath of the recommendation in April the council revealed that the interim chief executive, Mr Michael Doherty cost the council 'just under 129,000' in the past financial year.

However, when the 'MAIL' asked how many days the interim chief executive worked council officials would only say Mr Doherty 'gets paid for the days he works'.

Following a Freedom of Information request to the council the 'MAIL' can reveal that for the past financial year (09/10) the Craigavon ratepayers have paid 128,727 in consultancy fees and expenses for 180 days.

The figures show that for the month of November last year Mr Doherty worked six days costing the ratepayer 5,187 or 864.50 a day.

In the previous financial year (08/09) the ratepayer handed over 135,339 in consultancy fees and expenses for 178 days.

The council pays for Mr Doherty to travel to Northern Ireland from his Scottish home, his living expenses including phone and heating bills, television license and accommodation.

For both years the ratepayer paid out, on average, 737 for every day worked.

Mr Philip Lucas works as the council's interim leisure services director and has been instrumental in the new leisure centre plan for the borough.

Figures requested by the 'MAIL' show that for the past financial year consultancy costs, mileage and taxi fees for 201 days worked by Mr Lucas amounted to 86,397.

And in the year previous he worked 208 days costing the ratepayer 89,457.

For both years the ratepayer handed over 429.91 for each day worked.