The businessman Hugh Morgan has admitted in a statement that he gave presidential candidate Sean Gallagher a €5,000 cheque for Fianna Fáil in June 2008, a few days before a party fundraiser.

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that "no amount of bluster" by Seán Gallagher will hide the reality that he received a cheque for €5,000 in connection with a Fianna Fáil fundraiser.

Independent Presidential candidate, Seán Gallagher has slammed what he called an attempt at "political assassination" by Martin McGuinness and Sinn Féin.