McDowell’s gamble fails to pay off

WHETHER he likes it or not, the surprise announcement by Justice Minister Michael McDowell of a regulatory commission to govern casinos is a political u-turn.

The other day, he was for closing them down. Obviously, that went down badly with Fianna Fáil following warnings from casino owners that hundreds of jobs would be lost.

Uncharacteristically, the normally combative minister reneged on his earlier bid, throwing in his hand without demur.