This is one case where we cannot do the popular thing'. If they entered Government and wanted to release the papers related to the case, said Mr Spring, 'they will be advised very strongly that they should not do so in the interests of the State. He said that Fianna Fail and the PDs were engaged in 'populism in the extreme'. The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, also in Cashel, said it would be prejudicial to the State to publish the documents. 'The documents prepared for a court case are not subject to political rules,' said Mr Bruton speaking in Cashel where he was canvassing. He believed there was a difficulty in suggesting that the Government would release the documents relating to the case. The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said yesterday he was sorry that a court case was becoming an election matter. Mr Noonan, in a statement, said there were no inconsistencies or contradictions in what he has previously stated in relation to the medical assessment carried out on Mrs McCole.

Mr Bertie Ahern and Ms Mary Harney said recent revelations by the Minister for Health, Mr Noonan, that he kept the Cabinet informed of the manner in which the court case was being conducted were 'quite shocking'.

A 'solemn pledge' has been given by the leaders of Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats that they will open the files on the Brigid McCole case if they are returned to Government.

How to open ff files