The Co Derry couple whose children were temporarily taken into care in Portugal after allegations that they were drunk have denied that they consumed excess alcohol.

LIKE thousands more this year, the McGuckins and their children trooped into the Aparthotel Mourabel in Vilamoura last Friday evening for a one-week stay.

Armed with rifles and a pack of wild dogs, a family of six children stayed in their ramshackle Idaho home for a third day, refusing to accept help from government officials they fear and distrust.