Niall Collins has admitted it was a 'mistake' to write a letter on behalf of a man awaiting sentence for drug dealing - and he won't do it again.
Fianna Fail's Justice spokesman has come under fire since the letter was revealed in the course of a sentencing hearing in Limerick this week.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny described it as a 'direct intervention' in the administration of justice, but deputy Collins insists he respects the independence of any sentencing judge.
He's revealed this morning it's not the first time he's been asked for support in such a case - but the circumstances of the children affected by this one motivated him to act:
