Mattie McGrath U-turns on Government criticism over recognition of Palestinian state

The Tipperary TD initially released a statement at 2.19am on Wednesday, saying that the Government had been prioritising the 'Middle East over Middle Ireland'

Mattie McGrath described the move to recognise Palestine as a “political stunt” and that it was just an attempt to seek attention on the world stage. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Independent TD Mattie McGrath has U-turned on criticism of the Government over the recognition of a Palestinian State, as the Rural Independents said the withdrawal of a press release was a “strategic choice”.

The Tipperary TD initially released a statement through the Rural Independent press office at 2.19am on Wednesday, saying that the Government had been prioritising the “Middle East over Middle Ireland”.