Jan O’Sullivan inspired by O’Connell

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan, in paying tribute to Paul O’Connell yesterday, said she takes inspiration from him in the battle she now faces to save her seat.

Canvassing in Limerick ahead of the election, Ms O’Sullivan said: “I would never compare with Paul O’Connell, I’m not of that giant stature I’m afraid.

“I suppose I’m a doughty fighter and I wouldn’t be bad in the front row if I was a little bit bigger. But I am happy to fight the battle like Paul did as a player and it will be a tough battle. The media and the betting people are saying that I will be in a very tough fight for the fourth seat and that Sinn Féin is the opposition.