Respect for Michael Noonan trumps criticism

Often described as the godfather of Fine Gael, Michael Noonan has been the glue that keeps the Government together — but at times he has been the reason for its headaches.

Managing the finances under Enda Kenny’s first government, Mr Noonan took control of the country’s coffers when the State was close to going bust.

The troika were here, we had no money and Fianna Fáil had raided the cash box and left little to help ease the cruel recession.