PRIEST WON'T BACK DOWN IN EVICTION ROW

HOMELESS campaigner Fr Peter McVerry has stuck by his claim that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar overruled Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien on extending the eviction ban.

- LOUISE BURNE

He branded the decision taken as the worst choice taken to date by this administration.

On Monday Fr McVerry said sources had informed him the Fianna Fail minister was in favour of extending the ban but speaking on South East Radio, he insisted this was "overridden" by the Taoiseach.

Aides close to Mr Varadkar and Mr O'Brien denied these suggestions.

However, on RTE's Today with Claire Byrne yesterday, the priest stood by his claims but would not reveal his source.

Fr McVerry said: "I can't produce the evidence because I can't reveal my sources.