e-metro.ie 09.02.2010 A valuable art collection escaped damage after a blaze broke out in one of the countrys finest stately homes. Fire crews went to the 18th century Russborough House in Co Wicklow and fought for three hours to bring the fire under control P5 news Blaze at stately home Some driving testers consistently pass or fail significantly more candidates than others. The public spending watchdog also noted a 13 per cent difference in pass rates between State examiners and private contractors P9 news Big variation in drive test rates Chelseas Michael Ballack has ruled Arsenal out of the title race, and believes Arsene Wenger should stop making excuses for his teams failures after Chelsea returned to the top of the Premier League P24 sPORT Ballack says Wenger to blame About 40,000 AIB customers have been overcharged to the tune of 4million. The bank discovered it had applied business rates to some personal account holders and vice- versa for several years P17 Business AIB to repay 4million Peter Andre reckons nothing ex Katie Price does shocks him now. He says he was more shocked when Michael Jackson died than when she married cage fighter Alex Reid in Vegas. And Andre also explains his on- air meltdown last week P6 GuiLTY PLeAsuRes Im not shocked Taking the piste Ethiopian skiing ace FIne GAeL was last night left reel- ing from the resignation of George Lee, eight months after being elected to the Dil as a celebrity candidate. The former RT economics editor, who clinched the Dublin South seat from Fianna Fil last June, claimed he had not been allowed to make an im- pact on the partys economic policy. The shock decision was widely seen as a major blow to party leader enda Kennys standing as leader and his hopes of becoming Taoiseach. Mr Kenny said he was greatly sad- dened by Mr Lees move, claiming he had earmarked an important role for him, thought to be a front-bench post. But Mr Lee said he was no longer happy in the party. The reality... is that despite my best efforts I have had virtually no influence or input into shaping Fine Gaels economic policies at this most critical time, Mr Lee said. The role I have been playing within the party has been very limited and I have found this to be personally unfulfilling. The journalist said he had been in talks with Mr Kenny over the last week and said it was likely a role would have been offered to him, but it was too late. He said his advice on economic and financial issues was never sought and it was time to leave the party. They [Fine Gael] came looking for me. I didnt go looking for them. noth- ing happened, its over, he said. The father of two topped a big elec- toral victory for Fine Gael by winning the seat left open by the death of former Government minister Seamus Brennan on the first count a feat not seen in a by-election since Taoiseach Brian Cowen was elected in 1984. Despite Mr Lees claims, Mr Kenny said he played an important role in chairing its economic and business af- fairs committee, which influenced the partys pre-Budget submission. Im greatly saddened by George Lees decision to resign from Fine Gael and politics just eight months into his new Dil career, he said. I had antici- pated a very im- portant role for George in the coming period with Fine Gael after a time of settling into a new career in politics. Mr Cowen responded to Mr Lees resignation within minutes. Its a big decision for himself and his family and on a personal level Id wish him well, the Taoiseach said. Mr Lee said he would probably re- turn to RT, from which he took un- paid leave last May for one year. An RT spokeswoman said a per- son on unpaid leave is assured of a job on their return, but not the posi- tion they vacated. By Colm Kelpie I resign Fine Gaels George Lee: No influence; No input George Lee was sold by Fine Gael as a messiah P4 The role I have been playing is very limited Back to work: Lee says he will probably return to RT Picture: PA P3 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html