McDowell fails to win over FF critics at meeting with backbenchers

THE simmering row between Justice Minister Michael McDowell and Fianna Fáil TDs over his licensing reforms re-ignited last night, as many deputies roared in disagreement as the minister outlined his proposals.

In the run-up to Mr McDowell’s encounter with FF TDs at the parliamentary party meting, it was widely expected that his climbdown on café bars would mollify them.

A number of Fianna Fáil deputies privately told the Irish Examiner that they were deeply dissatisfied at Mr McDowell’s apparent disregard for the views of health experts.