Harris and McDonald face scrutiny over handling of party controversies in debate
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald both faced scrutiny over their handling of controversies involving party colleagues during the televised General Election debate.
Fine Gael leader Mr Harris told RTÉ host Katie Hannon he would not have used the word “scuffle” to describe a 2018 altercation involving his now party candidate in Co Louth, John McGahon, if he had first seen video footage that has emerged of the incident.
Mr McGahon, a Fine Gael senator, was found not guilty of assaulting a man outside a Dundalk nightclub in a criminal case two years ago but a High Court civil action earlier this year found him liable, with Mr McGahon ordered to pay damages.
Ms Hannon asked Mr Harris if he had seen the video before he used the word scuffle.
“No, I hadn’t,” he replied.
“And, of course, if I had Katie, I wouldn’t have used that phrase at all.”
Asked if he had backed Mr McGahon without seeing the evidence, he added: “I had backed…
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