O’Keeffe took principled stand, says FF’s O’Flynn

A PROMINENT Fianna Fáil backbencher yesterday gave another ringing endorsement to Ned O’Keeffe, describing him as a courageous man who took a principled stand.

Cork North Central deputy Noel O’Flynn said Mr O’Keeffe’s decision to resign from the parliamentary party rather than express confidence in Health Minister Mary Harney could “happen to any of us”.

However, Mr O’Flynn, who has had a couple of runs-in with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, said he had no hesitation in backing Ms Harney, whom he described as the most courageous health minister of the past decade.