Fianna Fáil TD, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, has resigned from the Dáil Public Accounts Committee. In a statement issued this morning, the Mayo TD said that following the High Court decision in her libel action against RTÉ, she believed it was "appropriate" that she resign. On Friday a jury found that RTÉ had not proved that Ms Cooper-Flynn induced a farmer to evade tax by not availing of the tax amnesty. But they decided that she had encouraged a number of other people to evade their taxes. They awarded no damages to Ms Cooper-Flynn, finding that her reputation had not suffered through RTÉ broadcasts in 1998. She says that she has informed PAC Chairman, Jim Mitchell, of her decision to resign.
Labour leader, Ruairí Quinn, has welcomed Ms Cooper-Flynn's resignation. "This is a welcome decision, but it does not dissolve the responsibility of either the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste to make their views known on this case. The jury findings in Deputy Flynn's libel case are of the most serious nature," said Mr Quinn. He added that, in light of the findings, he believed Ms Cooper-Flynn should consider her position as a member of the Dáil.
