'A huge loss to Limerick'

LIMERICK REACTION:MAYOR OF Limerick Cllr Kevin Kiely (Fine Gael) expressed regret at the resignation of Mr O'Dea, but said it was inevitable.

“Willie O’Dea will be a huge loss to Limerick, and I am sad to see him go. But when I heard Senator Dan Boyle come out last night and this morning I knew it was inevitable that the Minister’s hours and days were numbered.

“I think the Green Party have actually pushed him and have deprived Limerick City of a Minister. They should do the right thing now and they should go to the country and they’ll be found out for what they are.”

Limerick City councillor Kieran O’Hanlon (Fianna Fáil) said it was “very disappointing that the Green Party after voting confidence in him yesterday can come along today just because one of their Senators decides that he wants a head on a plate.

“But it’s obvious what the Green Party are up to because last week, they lost one of their own Senators and I suppose [they had to be] be seen to be doing something. It’s very regrettable to the people of Limerick.”

Seán O’Neill, who was a Republican Sinn Féin candidate in the last Limerick City council elections, said last night Mr O’Dea “still has a lot of explaining to do in relation to his false sworn court statement”.