Kenny retains ‘full confidence’ in Tormey

OPPOSITION leader Enda Kenny last night expressed “full confidence” in a high-profile Fine Gael Dáil candidate who called for hard drugs to be decriminalised and for returning Irish missionaries to be tested for HIV.

The remarks by would-be TD for Dublin North West Dr Bill Tormey were branded “offensive” by Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who challenged Mr Kenny to disown him.

Dr Tormey, head of toxicology at Beaumont Hospital, came to national prominence last week when he disputed the findings of State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy on what caused the death of Brian Murphy outside Dublin’s Club Anabel in 2000.