THE Government was roundly criticised by local politicians yesterday for its failure to buy Lissadell House, the Sligo stately home where Countess Markievicz and her sister, poet Eva Gore Booth, spent their formative years.

Mystery surrounded the identity of the new owner of one of Ireland’s most historic stately homes today.

The owner of Lissadell House in Co Sligo has revealed that he is on the verge of selling the property.