People are innocent until proven otherwise....

Tanaiste on minister controversy as gardal assess council code

- LOUISE BURNE

TANAISTE Micheal Martin said yesterday that people are innocent until proven otherwise” as gardai confirm they are assessing” part of the Niall Collins controversy.

Minister Collins has repeatedly denied he broke the law by attending a local area meeting in January 2007 during which the sale of a plot of land in Patrickswell, Co Limerick, was initially discussed.

The Fianna Fail TD confirmed on Tuesday he knew his wife, Dr Eimear O'Connor, had expressed interest in the site when he attended.