Shatter hits back at claim over Taoiseach

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has launched an unprecedented attack on a newspaper amid a claim Enda Kenny intervened in a family separation case.

Mr Shatter became embroiled in the matter after a Sunday newspaper printed correspondence showing Mr Kenny forwarded a letter from a constituent of his to the justice minister about the dispute.

The dispute worsened late last night after two nearly identical versions of the same letter were released, one by the minister and one by the Sunday Independent.