Politics

Helen McEntee is weakened after Dublin riots but will likely survive confidence vote

Several Government TDs don’t rate minister but won’t risk triggering a Christmas election by voting against her

Helen McEntee, the Minister for Justice: a number of independents have indicated their intention to support the government in the vote this week. Picture: PA/Collins

It took Sinn Féin a while to get off the fence, but on Friday the party finally put down a motion of no confidence in Justice Minister Helen McEntee over the riots in Dublin city the week before.

“I didn’t think they would, to be honest. It looked like they had backed off,” one government TD said.

“But then Mary Lou came under pressure over that picture she shared of the man drinking in Parnell ...