Two independent TDs storm out of Ballina debate

Two independent TDs have walked out of a debate on the role of non-aligned politicians at the Humbert-Davitt Summer School in Co Mayo today.

Kildare North TD Catherine Murphy and Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin withdrew from the debate when the director of the school prevented local TD Jerry Cowley from taking part.

The president said he withdrew Dr Cowley’s invitation as the Mayo TD had refused to take part in another debate tomorrow about the Corrib gas pipeline.

Ms Harkin said she totally opposed the move as summer schools were designed to allow people to express and listen to a range of different viewpoints.

"That opportunity was not afforded to Dr Jerry Cowley and it should have been," she said.