Minister Dara Murphy under fire for using Garda car to get to airport

A Cork TD is embroiled in controversy after it emerged he asked two on-duty gardaí to drive him to Dublin Airport to catch an early-morning flight to Brussels after his car broke down.

European Affairs Minister Dara Murphy confirmed he sought the help after his car broke down on the motorway outside Mitchelstown in rural Cork at 3am on Sunday, September 13, while he was travelling to catch a 6.40am flight to an EU meeting later that day.

The Cork North Central Fine Gael TD told the Irish Examiner the situation was an “emergency” and he and his driver had unsuccessfully attempted to get a taxi before contacting Fermoy Garda Station.