Two members of the Bennett family that operates Bennett Construction shared a dividend windfall last year of €1.4m as pre-tax profits at the firm doubled to €400,000.

Journalist and broadcaster Sam Smyth was today awarded legal costs in the tens of thousands against Michael Lowry following Smyth’s successful defence of a defamation action against him by the Co Tipperary TD.

A judge has refused Independent TD Michael Lowry a declaration that he was defamed by journalist and broadcaster Sam Smyth on TV3’s 'Tonight with Vincent Browne' programme and in a newspaper article.

Michael Lowry denied in court today that he was a corrupt politician, dishonest, untrustworthy and unfit to be a Minister or a TD.