McDowell controversy - Planning irony for PD president

AS Justice Minister Michael McDowell has learned to his cost, planning is one of the thorniest issues in Ireland today.

Given his penchant for political correctness, the controversy surrounding the sumptuous holiday home built by Mr McDowell and his wife in a scenic area of Co Roscommon is acutely embarrassing.

As president of the PDs, the party of moral rectitude and the self-appointed guardians of Ireland’s conscience, his opponents will not be slow to capitalise on the irony of the situation.