Fine Gael TD unleashes 'furious' criticism at parliamentary party meeting

The tense meeting was the first to take place since Simon Harris became Fine Gael party leader

Patrick O'Donovan, the new Minister for Further and Higher Education, was on the receiving end of some stinging criticism at the meeting. 

One of Fine Gael's most experienced TDs has "launched a scud missile" at one of its new ministers in a scathing contribution in a private party meeting.

Multiple sources have described Kildare North TD Bernard Durkan's contribution during Simon Harris's first parliamentary party meeting as Taoiseach as "furious", "scathing" and "apoplectic", with Limerick TD Patrick O'Donovan the target of his frustrations.