The Government Chief Whip, Regina Doherty has said that it is very easy for her to justify why she gave a character reference for a man who was convicted of defrauding the Revenue Commissioners.
Deputy Doherty was responding to questions on yesterday's story in The Sunday Times about 39-year-old Kenneth Shanny from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath who had been convicted of processing incorrect VAT returns for two clients, with the intention of dividing the money recovered between them.
The newspaper reported that she had given references at his trial in Trim Circuit Criminal Court.
Ms Doherty said that Mr Shanny has gone through a very difficult period in his life, he had been battling a serious addiction and made very poor choices and is serving time for that.
But she said he has turned his life around and it is a near miracle what he has to show for it. He went into prison at the height of his addiction and got clean, he came out and got himself a job and mended bridges.
The two convictions were related, according to Deputy Doherty, who said that she is proud to stand by him, adding that she would do it again.
