Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe has criticised fellow TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace for labelling the GAA the 'Grab All Association'.

Speaking in the Dail yesterday, Ms Daly said she was shocked that Westmeath GAA had reached agreement in principle for a long-term lease on the entire site of Columb Barracks in Mullingar, which is now being used as a GAA centre of excellence. Last August, the former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter signed a one-year lease with the Westmeath county board for use of part of the former military barracks which was closed in 2011.

Government Chief Whip Mr Kehoe claimed fellow Wexford TD Mr Wallace had 'whispered' the term to Ms Daly.

United Left Alliance TD Ms Daly remarked: "As Deputy Wallace just called it, it is really the 'Grab All Association'. If the Minister for State is telling me that it will take over such an enormous site, I will be shocked.

"I would love to know what the GAA is paying for it."

Minister Kehoe hit back by saying: "I appreciate the work the GAA has done in my county, as I am sure is the case for every deputy.

"I am involved in the GAA and have never referred to it as the 'Grab All Association'. I am surprised that Deputy Wallace would whisper 'Grab All Association' to Deputy Daly."

Ms Daly then replied: "I said it." Tweet

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