‘Not acceptable’ – Taoiseach decries decision by mystery TD to give character reference to ex-government adviser convicted of child exploitation

The Taoiseach has said it is not acceptable for public representatives to give character references in criminal cases of a sexual nature, after a judge criticised a TD for praising a convicted offender’s “previous good name” while ignoring the victim and the “vile” and “horrifying nature” of the offender’s crimes.