Burton ‘shocked and very distressed’ over TD Nulty’s messages to girl, 17

Former Labour party allies of disgraced TD Patrick Nulty have expressed “shock and distress” at his actions.

Mr Nulty, who quit Labour to sit as an Independent in protest at austerity measures, said he was standing down as a TD after admitting sending inappropriate Facebook messages to a 17-year-old girl.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said she was “shocked and very distressed” when she heard the revelations regarding her constituency colleague.