Longford Fianna Fail Deputy Joe Flaherty says he does not see any issue with sending a letter to court on behalf of constituents when it is not intended to sway the court's decision.
He was responding to some concerns after it emerged that he had written a letter to court on behalf of three men who had been involved in a violent incident in the town.
Judge Keenan Johnson had praised the letter written by the TD and said it was motivated by the best of interests and he appreciated the forthrightness and honesty on behalf of the accused.
There has been some criticism abut politicians writing letters to court in any circumstances but Deputy Flaherty says he realises the court is a completely independent forum.
Full interview with Deputy Flaherty can be heard here.
