Flynn confirms she will contest next election

INDEPENDENT TD Beverly Flynn has sought to downplay question marks over her political future by insisting that she will contest the next general election, likely to be in 2007.

Ms Flynn has been ordered to pay RTÉ’s legal bill of €1.6 million after her failed libel action against the national broadcaster.

That bill could rise to €2.5m if the High Court taxing master decides Ms Flynn should also pay the legal costs of retired farmer James Howard, which RTÉ had indemnified. The decision on these costs is due next month. RTÉ has insisted it will chase Ms Flynn for the full €1.6m that is owed to it.