Opposition likely to call for Molloy to quit

Opposition parties are expected to demand the resignation of Junior Minister Bobby Molloy today after he admitted yesterday that he made an improper approach to a judge in relation to a rape case.

Mr Molloy admitted that an official from his department contacted the judge to see if a letter from the victim of the rape had been delivered.

The matter came to light when the judge, Phillip O’Sullivan, criticised the "totally inappropriate" approach, but both the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, and the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, have said they will not be seeking Mr Molloy’s resignation.

The minister has apologised for the matter. Fine Gael, the Labour Party and the Green Party have all called on him to step down.