Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has said some Opposition comments yesterday about him as the possible source of letters which brought about the resignation of Trevor Sargent came 'close to defaming' him.
Speaking in Dundalk, the minister said back in 1996 the then leader of Fine Gael, John Bruton, forced a member of the party to apologise and withdraw comments made about Deputy Ahern.
He said he hoped Enda Kenny would do the same in relation to what Charlie Flanagan said yesterday.
Click here to watch Charlie Flanagan's interview on yesterday's 6.1 News
The minister said he did not know when the Garda Commissioner would be presenting the report with details of the investigation into former Defence Minister Willie O'Dea and the letters written by Mr Sargent.
However, he would publish it and he said he hopes those who 'smeared me' will withdraw their comments.
