Ahern defends Smith over court allegations

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has defended his colleague, Michael Smith, amid calls from the opposition for him to address the Dail in connection with allegations made against him yesterday.

Mr Smith, the Minister for Defence, had allegedly told two Co Tipperary men charged with contravening foot-and-mouth regulations that their case would never get to court and that he would take care of it.