Blow for Limerick as city ‘loses its voice in cabinet’

IT was the first time for as long as the regulars could remember that Willie O’Dea wasn’t sitting in his usual spot in the Windmill Bar on Henry Street, where he holds a clinic every Friday at teatime.

An alcove near the front door is the former minister’s preferred haunt when dealing with the steady line of callers which could include constituents, business figures or members of various organisations on any Friday.

The Windmill was very handy for Mr O’Dea, as he lives just up the street in Naughton’s Place, but he was nowhere to be seen yesterday as media camped outside his house.