Gormley: 'Rules needed on TDs involvement in court cases'

Green Party leader John Gormley says strict guidelines are needed to govern representations by politicians in relation to court cases.

Mr Gormley was responding to questions regarding the controversy surrounding Labour Party TD Kathleen Lynch.

The Cork politicians has been forced to apologise for writing a letter of reference on behalf of the family of a man convicted of raping two of his girlfriend's teenage sisters.

Trevor Casey, whose parents are known to Ms Lynch, was subsequently jailed for 13 years.

Over the weekend, one of his victims said she was shocked and angry that Ms Lynch would interfere in the case.

Speaking today, Mr Gormley said he believed it was always inappropriate for TDs to get involved in the judicial process and he would like to discuss the matter with the Minister for Justice.