Martin defends his decision to appoint O’Dea

FIANNA FÁIL leader Micheál Martin has defended his decision to appoint Willie O’Dea to his frontbench less than a year after the Limerick TD had to resign from cabinet for smearing a political rival.

Mr O’Dea’s selection raised eyebrows around Leinster House, but Mr Martin defended the wisdom of his decision and brushed aside concerns.

He said Mr O’Dea had “paid a heavy price … both politically and financially” for what he had done, but was a politician of considerable talent who remained committed to his constituents.