D Monday, February 8, 2010 News Martin backs 4m revamp of ambassadors residence THE Foreign Affairs minister yester- day defended a multi-million-euro revamp of the residence of the Irish ambassador to Canada. The taxpayer is understood to have forked out 4.4million to refurbish the luxurious home in Ottawa. Fine Gael said the figure was outra- geous and unjustifiable and said work on the 2,230sq m building included a whirlpool, sauna and a chandelier that cost 20,000. Minister Michel Martin said it was important Ireland be properly repre- sented overseas. The embassies play a very key role actually, both in helping to win in- ward investment and in supporting the work of Enterprise Ireland and IDA by utilisation of the embassies for economic purpose, he told RT Radios This Week. Fine Gael foreign affairs spokesper- son Billy Timmins said there was no way the amount could be justified: Those bearing the brunt of the reces- sion are entitled to feel infuriated at the Governments decision to priori- tise funding for a palace over spe- cial needs assistants, hospital wards and social welfare payments. By Sarah Stack Petal power Ford: No Alliance justice nominee yet THE deal to save Northern Irelands power-sharing government faced its first significant challenge yesterday when the politician tipped to be the regions new justice minister cast doubt on whether he would accept the post. Leader of the Alliance Party David Ford (pictured) told Radio Ulster the ruling Sinn Fin/Democratic Unionist coalition would have to do more to tackle sectarian divisions before he would put his name forward. Lillis biggest fear has been realised EAMONN Lillis has had his biggest fear come true after he was sentenced to six years and 11 months last Friday for the manslaughter of his wife, Celine Cawley, at their home in Howth in December 2008. Speaking ahead of the sentencing, Lillis said: [Going to jail] is my biggest fear. Meanwhile, a prison source told a Sunday newspaper Lillis (pictured) has already annoyed some of his fellow inmates by getting special treatment. Life is a bed of roses for Roberta Rowat, as she helps promote Lidls Valentines Day Deluxe Grand Prix Roses, available in stores from Thursday Picture: Photocall index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html