Author of Denis Naughten broadband report denies any wrongdoing took place

The author of the Denis Naughten broadband report has admitted the ex-minister's multiple meetings with bidder David McCourt broke the rules "in the strictest sense" - but has denied any wrongdoing took place.

Peter Smyth also said he never met Mr Naughten or Mr McCourt during his investigation and did not ask them for sworn statements on what their multiple meetings involved.