The Irish government paid SDLP chiefs top-class expenses and mileage during the 1970s, it was revealed today.

Confidential files uncover the arrangement allowing senior party figures to claim payments from Dublin after the collapse of Northern Ireland’s power-sharing executive in 1974.

The documents also show wary Irish officials scrutinised and investigated every claim made by the then dominant Northern nationalist leaders.

In one letter a top aide struck a prudent — if not suspicious — tone as he noted Austin Currie gave a list of SDLP figures “who were alleged to have attended certain meetings with Government members”.

Another official said details of the claims “do not tally” with records and advised further investigation to ensure “the SDLP aren't claiming for something they aren't entitled to”.