Michael Lowry: Claims I have special deal are nasty and offensive

Independent TD Michael Lowry hit back at claims he secured a special deal with incoming Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, calling the suggestions “nasty and offensive”.

The controversial former Fine Gael minister came under fire from Labour during speeches for the nomination of Taoiseach in the Dáil, as parties debated the election of Mr Varadkar to the role.

But Labour leader Brendan Howlin took issue with reports that Mr Lowry had held two phonecalls with Mr Varadkar last week in which local needs in his Tipperary constituency were discussed.