Rebel TD back in the Dáil

MAVERICK TD Ned O’Keeffe will return to the Dáil today following his controversial absence from two crucial government votes last week.

The Cork East deputy yesterday contacted the government’s chief whip Tom Kitt after days of pointedly refusing to explain why he missed both a vote of confidence in the Taoiseach and on the withdrawal of the Shannon-Heathrow route.

Last night, Mr Kitt said he and Mr O’Keeffe had spoken at length but insisted the content of that conversation would remain confidential.