“Walking down the street, I’ve been called Jesus, Rasputin, Fagan, ZZ Tops, even Forty Coats, it depends on the generation,” says John McNally, the face of beards in Ireland.

The Government was dealt another blow today when a third senior minister announced he would not contest the forthcoming General Election.

Two more Fianna Fáil politicians have joined the list of those who will not be running in the forthcoming General Election.