Human rights campaigners today accused Justice Minister Dermot Ahern of abusing the Dáil and operating a police state by fast-tracking tough new anti-gangland laws.

Liam Lawlor has been driven through the gates of Leinster House to take part in a debate on the motion to call on him to resign.

Disgraced TD Liam Lawlor is due before the Supreme Court today to appeal against his imprisonment for seven days for contempt of court.

The media is camped outside the Four Courts awaiting news from Liam Lawlor's attempted appeal against a prison sentence imposed on him.