SF calling for O'Dea's resignation over court statement

Sinn Féin is calling on the Defence Minister Willie O'Dea to step down over defamatory statements he made against one of the party's local election candidates.

Mr O'Dea denied in an affidavit in April 2009 that he made claims to a journalist about Limerick Sinn Féin candidate Maurice Quinlivan.

Mr O'Dea later admitted he had made a false statement and apologised to the court when the case was settled in December.

Sinn Féin TD Caoimhin O'Caolain has said the minister "should now go".