Govt hits back after Noonan's criticism of AG

Justice Minister John O’Donoghue has accused Fine Gael of cheap electioneering by calling for the resignation of Attorney General Michael McDowell.

Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan has said Mr McDowell’s current position is untenable because he is also the president of the Progressive Democrats and is running in the forthcoming election.

Mr Noonan said this raises a potential conflict of interest, but Minister O’Donoghue rejected that argument.

"Michael Noonan must not have read the Irish Constitution," he said.

"A person, in fact, is quite entitled to be a member of Dail Eireann and be Attorney General at the same time. Indeed, one of the most distinguished Attorney Generals that we have had was the late John Kelly, who was, of course, a prominent member of Fine Gael."