Cowen sacking: Taoiseach grilled by opposition over decision to remove Agriculture Minister

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Brian Cowen should "come before the house" to explain the issue. File Picture.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has insisted he sacked Barry Cowen from government because of his refusal to address the Dáil over his drink driving incident.

Mr Martin also said he did not, last week, have access to the garda record or exact details about claims Mr Cowen tried to avoid gardaí when he was drink-driving, a charge the former Agriculture Minister denies.