Watchdog probes penalty points row

Political watchdogs are seeking more information from Alan Shatter, the justice minister, regarding his controversial exposé of Independent TD Mick Wallace escaping penalty points.

The Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) met yesterday to discuss the case and moved to write to the minister to look for more details on the matter.

Mr Shatter’s decision to ambush anti-penalty point let-off campaigner Mr Wallace on live television with the revelation plunged the minister into a major political squall.