FF contradicts Dempsey in 'misuse of funds' row

FIANNA FÁIL headquarters last night denied the claim by Education Minister Noel Dempsey that he only provided customised briefing documents for local election candidates under instruction from the party.

The disclosure, by party sources, seems to contradict Mr Dempsey's version of events. Yesterday he told RTÉ's News at One: "I was requested by Fianna Fáil to provide them with that information. I responded to that."

Mr Dempsey was under considerable pressure yesterday after it was revealed he used taxpayer's resources to compile the documents for Fianna Fáil candidates in the upcoming local elections.