THE Minister for Equality and Law Reform has said he is "deeply offended and angry" about the impression that may have been given as to the character of Mr Fergus Finlay in Mr Albert Reynolds's libel case in London.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Taylor said he had no desire to take sides in, or comment upon, the case before the English court "and I do not do so".
He described Mr Finlay, the Tanaiste's adviser for many years, as being among the finest and most decent people ever to work in the public service in this country".
He knew from personal experience, he added, that at all times in his career he had been motivated by his deep and heartfelt concern for the truth and for the public interest. His work on Northern Ireland, on equality, and on many other issues, had been monumental and would stand to the eternal benefit of the Irish people.
"I would regard any suggestion otherwise as beneath contempt", Mr Taylor said.
