The key witness in the trial of a 38-year-old accused of murdering a man in 2003 has told the court today that he was standing beside him when he was shot dead in a remote gateway.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen today paid tribute to Justice Minister Dermot Ahern and former Ceann Comhairle Rory O’Hanlon after they announced they were quitting the Dáil.

DANNY O’HANLON was the name on everyone’s lips at Nowlan Park yesterday.