Collins safe as Martin seeks code of conduct

A cross-party ban on Oireachtas members trying to influence judges has been urged by Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin as he refuses to give into demands to sack his justice spokesman, Niall Collins.

Mr Martin defended Mr Collins’s controversial decision to ask a judge to spare a convicted drug dealer prison, as he said the Limerick TD was a “young politician” who had learned his lesson and deserved another chance.

Mr Collins, 41, admitted he had made a mistake, and insisted he would never do so again.