Politicians in the North defend character references for tax evaders

Two politicians in the North say they have no regrets about giving character references to two brothers who pleaded guilty to massive tax evasion.

Patrick and John McParland, who own the Canal Court Hotel in Newry and the Carrickdale Hotel in Co Louth, were were fined more than £1m (€1.4m) and given four-year suspended jail sentences for failing to declare money in 20 offshore bank accounts.

Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy and Ulster Unionist Danny Kennedy say the references they provided for the men were statements of fact about their contribution to the local economy.

Mr Murphy says the McParlands had been his neighbours for many years, were good employers and had invested large sums in the local economy in days when few others were prepared to do so.

Mr Kennedy, meanwhile, says a character reference doesn't condone anyone's actions, but is a report of a positive contribution.