Overview
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin said public representatives should refrain from providing character references in cases of abuse or violence and called such letters unacceptable.
- Former Fianna Fáil TD Jim Glennon confirmed he wrote a reference for Daniel Ramamoorthy, apologized to the victim’s family, and said he will resign from his jobs and directorships.
- Judge John Edwards criticised the testimonials for ignoring the victim and the vile nature of the crime and noted that one came from a former TD.
- Recent changes mean that in some sexual‑offence cases a referee must swear an affidavit or testify in court, which allows cross‑examination and raises the stakes for anyone offering support.
- Ramamoorthy, a former government adviser convicted of exploiting a 13‑year‑old, lost his bid to reduce a two‑year‑four‑month sentence and faces separate charges over child abuse material.