Jonathan O’Brien ‘not ashamed ’ of brother but regrets revealing his heroin addiction

Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien says he regrets revealing his brother’s heroin addiction in a Dáil exchange, but was infuriated by comments made by Tánaiste Joan Burton.

The Cork North-Central deputy admitted “I opened my mouth before I engaged my brain” when he revealed on Thursday that his brother is homeless and a recovering heroin addict, but said he is not ashamed of his brother.

He also said he did not expect an apology from Labour TD Eric Byrne, who asked in the Dáil why Mr O’Brien had not taken in his brother. However, he said Mr Byrne should apologise for his “lack of sensitivity” around the drugs issue, particularly as he has served on the local drugs task force in his own constituency of Dublin South-Central.