The Public Expenditure Minister says he has a huge amount of sympathy for Barry Cowen but the drink driving issue had caused a serious distraction for Government.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin sacked him as Agriculture Minister last night after he refused to provide further public statements on the 2016 offence.
He was just 18 days in the role and his replacement is set to be announced later today.
Micheal McGrath admits it’s been a tough start for the Government - press PLAY
