TD 'cringing' over plinth mishap

A Fine Gael TD has apologised to women drivers everywhere after suffering a driving mishap in the grounds of Leinster House yesterday.

Newly-elected Mary Mitchell-O'Connor drove down the steps of the plinth in front of the Dáil, in front of a group of reporters and cameramen.

The Dun Laoghaire deputy today said she was embarassed about her mistake.

"This is my mistake and I take it on the chin," she said.

Footage of the incident became an internet sensation yesterday while Deputy Mitchell-O'Connor's adventures behind the wheel where also the butt of many a Twitter joke.

Today she said said had been distracted by the phalanx of media outside the main gates of Leinster House.

"As I came to the first step I saw the media all running," she said.

I thought there was someone famous behind me… next thing I knew - bang, bang, bang - there was me coming down the steps."