Micheál Martin denies Tánaiste blocked Brendan McDonagh housing appointment

Fianna Fáil pushes back on criticism of James Browne as coalition tensions rise over failed McDonagh appointment

Housing minister James Browne has come under fire. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

Fianna Fáil has hit back at the idea that housing minister James Browne did not alert its ministers to the proposed appointment of Brendan McDonagh as head of the housing activation office.

Mr McDonagh on Thursday withdrew from consideration from the role, with multiple sources blaming Mr Browne's handling of the process.