Peers puzzled by political pullout

THE sensational decision by former minister Jim McDaid to end his political career with a short letter to the Dáil has flummoxed his political peers.

Allies and rivals alike did not expect him to contest the next general election but his decision to resign suddenly blew a hole in the bow of the Government’s election strategy.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Tánaiste Mary Coughlan both expressed regret at Dr McDaid’s decision.