Fine Gael TDs 'surprised' at appointment of journalist as deputy government press secretary

Sources within Fine Gael said there was some belief within the party that political journalist Hugh O'Connell's interview with the man at the centre of the John McGahon controversy had harmed the party's election campaign

Long-serving political journalist Hugh O'Connell is to join Simon Harris's team as deputy government press secretary this week.

Some in Fine Gael are said to be "surprised" at the appointment of a journalist whose work they see as contributing to some of its electoral woes last year.

Long-serving political journalist Hugh O'Connell is to join Simon Harris's team as deputy government press secretary this week.