Micheál Martin has accused Leo Varadkar of using taxpayers’ money to promote Fine Gael politically

Concerns have been raised about an “ethically dubious deal” between the government and national newspapers that involves journalists writing positive pieces about the Ireland 2040 plan.

The government’s strategic communications unit arranged for sponsored content to appear in local, regional and national newspapers including the Irish Independent and The Irish Times.

Last week, the cabinet travelled to Sligo to unveil the €116 billion national development plan to prepare for an estimated population growth of one million people over the next two decades. It set out spending plans for infrastructure, transport and housing.

It is understood that a number of journalists at Independent News and Media were asked to write positive news pieces, which could not include negative or critical content. The double-page advertorials stated