Eoghan Murphy in ‘heated exchange’ over boundary plans

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy became embroiled in “very heated exchanges” with members of the Independent Alliance last week over proposed changes to boundaries of local council constituencies.

Independent ministers and councillors are not convinced by his plan and have accused him of an “old- fashioned gerrymander” attempt. The Irish Examiner has learned that a “proper ding-dong” occurred when Mr Murphy sought to brief his Government colleagues as to his plans to reduce the size of constituencies, which he feels are unworkable in their current size.

Among those present for the Alliance were ministers John Halligan and Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, whip Seán Canney and councillors Damien O’Farrell and Joe Conway.