Bruton breaks ranks to back Bailey for election bid

Minister Richard Bruton has strongly backed fellow Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey to represent the party in the next election following her “swing-gate” controversy.

Mr Bruton broke ranks with many of his fellow Fine Gael ministers who have been wary of supporting the Dun Laoghaire politician in the wake of her injury claim for falling off a hotel swing, which she has since withdrawn.