Opinion divided over Ó Murchú candidacy

VETERAN senator Labhrás Ó Murchú is no stranger to controversy and his last -minute bid for the Áras has split opinion once again.

The 72-year-old has pushed conservative and ultra-religious policies and some hinted this week, when Ó Murchú launched his bid for the presidency, that the “Tea Party” had taken control of Fianna Fáil.

But his experience, popularity away from politics and ability to rein in loyal followers, has led to his FF party colleagues and those outside the party backing him.