Longford TD Joe Flaherty has expressed regret for writing a letter on behalf of three men convicted of involvement in a violent incident.
The former Councillor was praised by Judge Keenan Johnson after his letter was read out at Longford Circuit Court last month.
Deputy Flaghery wrote the letter on behalf of three men from the same family, explaining that the three accused, who pleaded guilty to involvement in a feud related attack at a petrol station in June 2019, were “extremely capable, very sharp and more than familiar with hard work.
In a statement issued last night, Deputy Flaherty says that as a newly elected TD for Longford/Westmeath, he acknowledges that writing this letter was an error of judgement and one which he deeply regrets.
Deputy Flaherty says he appreciates that this decision has disappointed many constituents, but he will double down on his efforts to ensure the best possible representation for county Longford.