Victim's mother says she won't accept Killeen's apology

The mother of a man murdered in Co Clare 16 years ago has said she will refuse to accept an apology from a government minister who sought to get the killer released early from prison.

It emerged this week that staff working for Labour Affairs Minister Tony Killeen had written two letters seeking to have Christopher Cooney released early.

He is in prison for murdering Robert Lynch in Ennis 16 years ago.

Mr Killeen has said he was unaware that the letters had been written and wants to apologise to the victim's family.

However, Mr Lynch's mother, Nora, says she doesn't want his apology.

Mr Killeen was also criticised a number of weeks ago when it emerged that he had sought the early release of a convicted child rapist from his constituency.