Data from VoteWatch Europe has revealed that two Irish TDs, Independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan and Fianna Fáil’s Brian Crowley, have the worst voting record among Irish MEPs at the European Parliament.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly was the best performer, with a 100% voting record.

This morning, Luke Ming Flanagan spoke to Newstalk's Pat Kenny about his voting record and explained why he hasn't been in Strasbourg and Brussels.

Mr Flanagan said: "Since I got elected to the European Parliament, my wife hasn't been that well. We have a newborn baby girl and it has restricted me in my ability to get out to either Strasbourg or Brussels.

"In the meantime, I have been doing my damnedest from Ireland to deal with all the issues via email and telephone etc.

"Ultimately for me, my family comes first. I think that's the way society should be structured anyway."

The Midlands Northwest MEP says he has the backing of fellow parliamentarians on his position, and he is not bothered by the media focus on his record.