The independent TD Mick Wallace has been released from Limerick Prison - after earlier being jailed for non-payment of a fine.

The 60-year-old TD for Wexford served for around two hours at the prison, after being arrested at Clontarf Garda Station at 11:30 following a visit on appointment.

The deputy was convicted in April - alongside United Left TD Clare Daly - of unlawfully entering restricted areas within Shannon Airport in July 2014. Both refused to pay their fines of €2,000.

After his arrest Deputy Wallace was escorted to his home where he packed some clothes, and then taken to Limerick prison where he arrived just before 2pm.

However, while being due to serve a sentence of 30 days, he was cleared for full temporary release after just over two hours on condition of good behaviour.

The case is now likely to highlight the treatment of people who don't pay fines - given that Gardaí brought the TD on a 216 kilometre journey to visit jail for just a few hours.

It's not known whether Deputy Daly could face similar proceedings - this evening she hasn't yet responded to media contact. 

Our Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly reports: