Party performance

Willie O’Dea’s resignation was a massive blow to the Government and a coup for the opposition. But it’s not quite that straightforward. Political Correspondent Paul O’Brien assesses how the parties fared.

Fianna Fáil

IN February 2008, as the then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern became ever more entangled in the Mahon Tribunal, Brian Cowen rode to his defence. As Enda Kenny pushed the issue, Mr Cowen rounded on him: “I don’t need lectures from you on my standards.”