FF TD defends Noonan over ‘lifestyle’ remark

Michael Noonan has been defended over his controversial emigration remarks by a surprising source — an opposition rival.

Fianna Fáil front-bench TD Niall Collins says the Fine Gael finance minister has been “wrongly portrayed” as an “uncaring individual” and does not deserve the criticism.

Mr Noonan faced calls to apologise last week after suggesting that emigration was a “lifestyle choice” in a lot of cases. Among those demanding an apology was Fianna Fáil jobs spokesman Willie O’Dea, who said in an official party statement that he was “disgusted” by the remarks.