Taoiseach tries to play down 'childish' spat between Stephen Donnelly and John McGuinness 

Micheál Martin says one of his most senior TDs proffering a baby's soother to another was an 'unlikely escalation' to their row

The Taoiseach has attempted to play down a “childish” spat between two leading members of his party, after one presented the other with a baby’s soother.

Micheál Martin, speaking in France, sought to laugh off the bitter war of words between Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and Oireachtas finance committee chairman John McGuinness who have been at odds in recent days.