McDowell re-ignites garda figures row

THE bitter row between Michael McDowell and Fine Gael over garda figures re-ignited last night after the Justice Minister sent a letter to all 220 TDs and Sentators standing over his figures.

Fine Gael last night reacted furiously to the letter, saying the minister's "colossal ego" had driven him to argue his case again a day after apologising to Richard Bruton for comparing him to Joseph Goebbels.

In the letter, Mr McDowell states that Mr Bruton's claim of only two extra gardaí being assigned to the Dublin area in one year was based on a misconception.