Public will not be thankful if McEntee is replaced when on maternity leave - former justice minister

Nora Owen as justice minister outside 10 Downing Street in London in 1996. Picture: Michael Stephens/PA

Former justice minister Nora Owen has said she does not believe the public would be “thankful” if a new minister were to be appointed to replace the current Justice Minister when she has her baby.

The former Fine Gael politician said Helen McEntee will face criticism from the public for taking leave, despite being entitled to take time to take care of her child.