TDs attention focused on the government’s response to Storm Eowyn and the housing crisis.

Politicians focused on Storm Eowyn, Donald Trump and the housing crisis as the Irish parliament returned to normality after a disruptive row over speaking time.

The opposition – who won the bitter dispute after the Speaker of the Dail weighed in – criticised the Government over house-building claims and its efforts to restore power to 700,000 customers after Storm Eowyn.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald accused Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris of an “election ploy” when they had claimed around 40,000 homes would be built last year, when the final figure was just over 30,000.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said he was “disappointed” with the number of houses built last year but said the 40,000 projection was a genuinely held belief at the time.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik was critical as she raised in the Dail the response to the storm, saying wakes had to be held by candlelight, parents were unable to cook for their children and the elderly left “terrified” by power outages.

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore said Energy and Transport Minister........

© Shropshire Star