McDowell proves more popular on Youtube than at the polls

The infamous ’Rumble in Ranelagh’ spat between John Gormley and Michael McDowell has received nearly 5,000 hits on YouTube, it emerged today.

More people have viewed the bizarre encounter than gave first preference votes in the General Election to the former Progressive Democrats leader.

The outgoing Tanaiste conceded defeat and quit politics after Mr Gormley outpolled him by 304 votes in Dublin South East count in the RDS.

Mr McDowell received only received 13.1% share of first preferences and didn’t get enough transfers to outstrip Mr Gormley.

The infamous five-minute joust, also dubbed the ’Wrangle in the Triangle’ occurred a week before polling day when the Green Party chairman tried to ambush a street news conference held by Mr McDowell.

Mr Gormley had been angered by what he claimed were ’lies’ about Green polices circulated in the PD’s election leaflets.

During the exchanges watched by journalists, photographers and TV cameras, Mr McDowell goaded the Green TD for his resemblance to former British Labour leader Michael Foot.

Three clips of the footage are posted on YouTube and the number of viewings totalled 4,816 this afternoon. The video also appears on Mr Gormley’s website.

Laois/Offaly candidate and PD president Tom Parlon has said that Michael McDowell has "apologised for any of the mistakes that he made" at the meeting of PD election workers and candidates at the Alexandria Hotel in Dublin.