Controversial compo case did not swing voters, says John Paul

JUNIOR Minister John Paul Phelan has said he does not believe the controversy surrounding Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey’s swing compensation claim against a hotel damaged the party’s performance in the local and European elections.

The Kilkenny TD, who is Fine Gael’s Director of Elections for the local elections, said: “I don’t think it an had effect one way or another on the election.”

Deputy Bailey confirmed to the Sunday Independent that she has dropped her case against the Dean Hotel in Dublin. It followed widespread criticism of the politician last week.

However, Minister Phelan said the big issue of the 2019 elections was climate change, which has been reflected in the huge surge in support for the Green Party.

He said: “Climate was the big issue throughout the campaign.”