Exhausted Renua Ireland TD explains embarrassing interview

The Renua Ireland TD who suffered an embarrassing interview on national radio as his party was launched has said the incident was not caused by a panic attack or failing to read up on the group’s policies.

Dublin North East representative Terence Flanagan made the remarks in his first public appearance since March 13 interview, saying he was so exhausted by the work in setting up a party he was unable to express himself properly.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Sunday With Miriam programme, the TD — who entered the Dáil eight years ago and has been in politics since 2004 — admitted what happened was “very, very bad”.