Simon Coveney ‘requested’ housing challenge

Newly appointed Housing Minister Simon Coveney has denied he has been given a “poisoned chalice” and in fact requested the portfolio.

Mr Coveney, who has been tasked with finding immediate resolutions to the housing crisis as well as handling the issue of water charges, has denied he was demoted by Enda Kenny.

The Cork South-Central TD said: “The idea that I was given a poisoned chalice to cut me down to size would make sense if I hadn’t asked for it. Maybe it will damage me, maybe it won’t. I don’t intend to be in politics forever, but while I am, I want to take on issues that can change (for the better) people’s lives.”