Former Taoiseach defends Owen

Former Taoiseach John Bruton TD has today defended Nora Owen's record as Minister for Justice.

The former Fine Gael leader said that Nora Owen acted at all times as Minister for Justice with integrity, energy and compassion.

"It is a disgrace that the privilege of the Dáil should have been used by a deputy to libel her," he said.

"Deputy Gildea should state explicitly and in detail the basis on which he made these allegations. Mere withdrawal does not undo the harm or efface the malice with which it was originally made.

"Deputy Gildea is not worthy to be a member of Dáil Eireann unless he deals comprehensively with this matter and does so today," said Deputy Bruton..