‘Both of us are completely united’

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell has again insisted there is no rift between him and Mary Harney despite criticisms from within the Government that his leadership row with the Tánaiste is damaging the coalition.

Mr McDowell dismissed suggestions that comments by Communications Minister Noel Dempsey were intended as a criticism of him after Mr Dempsey said the affair was distracting from the business of Government.

Mr McDowell said he and Ms Harney both had very challenging ministerial agendas, and at no time had either of them “taken our eye off the ball”.