McDowell meets Dáil hunger striker

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has met with the Cork man currently on hunger strike outside Leinster House in protest at the failure to prosecute anyone in connection with his death.

Adrian Moynihan, aged 23, died from asphyxia after being restrained by bouncers at a Cork nightclub on March 25, 2001.

Assistant State Pathologist Marie Cassidy told an inquest into the death that the actions of the bouncers contributed to Mr Moynihan's death, but the DPP decided not to prosecute anybody in connection with the case.

Mr McDowell drew severe criticism yesterday evening when it emerged that he was in the bar at Leinster House during a Dáil debate on the matter.

Mr McDowell allegedly sent a junior minister to answer questions about the issue, saying he had an important engagement.

Speaking outside the Dáil today, Andrew Moynihan said the minister told him that he was not aware of his Leinster House protest.