Finian McGrath and controversy are constant companions. When it comes to matters of public interest, the junior minister with responsibility for disability issues has “interesting” opinions. Last September he caused outrage over comments he made in this newspaper about the efficacy of the human papilloma virus vaccine.

Despite overwhelming medical advice to the contrary, McGrath called for a ban on Gardasil, a vaccination used to prevent HPV, a condition that can lead to cervical cancer in women. His eccentric view was condemned by the medical profession, as well as cabinet colleagues, not least Simon Harris, the health minister, who had been promoting the vaccine before his colleague decided to undermine him. With criticism pouring down from all quarters, McGrath made the inevitable U-turn and declared