Less lip service, more shooting from lip

What is seldom is wonderful, we are told. Given the treacherous nature of political life, politicians who are willing to give a straight answer to a straight question are as rare as pigs flying in the sky. writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell.

This week, two interviews given by junior Independent Alliance minister John Halligan in Hot Press magazine and on RTÉ Radio have caused quite the stir.

This is primarily because Mr Halligan, the Waterford TD, unloaded honestly on a host of controversial issues, including backing assisted suicide, voicing support for legalising prostitution and revealing that he would like to see Simon Coveney succeed Enda Kenny as leader of Fine Gael.