A shameful episode that has left Noonan with self-inflicted wounds

In the wake of this latest debacle, Noonan stands a wounded figure within Fine Gael and Government with Cabinet colleagues openly admitting his influence is waning, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnel.

MICHAEL Noonan is “in fierce bad form”.

The Finance Minister got himself into hot water in the Dáil on Wednesday night when he went on the attack.