Cooper-Flynn involvement gave story weight - Bird

RTE reporter Charlie Bird has told the Beverly Cooper-Flynn libel trial that because a TD encouraged investors to break the law, it made a good story.

The court heard that in May 1998, Mr Bird received an unsigned letter claiming then EU Commissioner Padraig Flynn held a CMI investment scheme.

Mr Bird wrote to Mr Flynn, who denied the allegations and asked for the source of the letter. Mr Bird refused to identify the source.

Gareth Cooney SC, representing Ms Cooper-Flynn, said it was "sleazy in the extreme" to make accusations without an identified source.

Ms Cooper-Flynn is suing RTE and Co Meath farmer James Howard for libel over allegations that she advised customers to invest in offshore accounts while an employee of National Irish Bank.