Kenny accuses O'Dea of 'act of criminality'

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has accused the Defence Minister Willie O'Dea of "conducting an act of criminality against the State".

The accusation came during a vote of confidence in Mr O'Dea that is due to take place in the next hour.

It follows Mr O'Dea's admission that he made a "mistake" during an affidavit of evidence to the High Court.

In the Dáil the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan backed Mr O'Dea as Enda Kenny and Brian Hayes attacked him.