Higgins questions Gallagher's presidential credentials

Labour's presidential candidate Michael D Higgins has said Sean Gallagher still has "a considerable way to go" to answer all the questions that have been raised about his links to Fianna Fáil.

Mr Gallagher has today defended himself against accusations that he collected large sums of money on behalf of the party.

Sean Gallagher has now retreated from his half admission of collecting a €5,000 cheque on behalf of Fianna Fáil.

The allegation had surfaced during the 'Frontline' debate last night, but today Fianna Fáil's own records appear to suggest the meeting as suggested by Sinn Féin did not happen.

This evening Sean Gallagher insisted he was the victim of a smear campaign.

Mr Gallagher said in a statement: "This was a legitimate and legal fundraiser. No banks were robbed and no members of the Gardaí were killed during it.

"This attempt to slur me and my campaign will not succeed."

But Labour's Michael D. Higgins has now for the first time called into question Seán Gallagher's credentials for the Aras.

He says answers are needed about links to Fianna Fáil and business dealings