The following is the text of a statement issued by James Flynn & Co, Solicitors, dated April 26th, 1999 on behalf of its client, Mr Joseph Burke:
I wish to state that media reports and comments which attempt to link me to the way in which Philip Sheedy's case was dealt with by the courts are wholly unfounded, devoid of any substance whatsoever and deeply hurtful to me and my family.
My connection with Philip Sheedy was based on work he did as an architect. A member of his family contacted my office seeking a character reference for court proceedings which I was happy to supply. I had no contact thereafter in relation to his case and do not know if the character reference was ever used.
My visit to Philip Sheedy in jail on the 14th October 1998 was a purely personal gesture and had nothing to do with his subsequent release.
I wish to state that I have had no other connection or involvement, direct or indirect, deliberate or unintended in the way in which Philip Sheedy's case was dealt with by the courts. I never mentioned the matter directly or indirectly to anyone in the judicial or political domain. My longstanding friendship with the Taoiseach, which is public knowledge, has absolutely no connection with the Sheedy controversy. I am in the same position as any other member of the public in not knowing or understanding why Philip Sheedy was released. His release came as a surprise to me. It has absolutely nothing to do with me or with my friendship with the Taoiseach.
I would ask media and political figures to desist from making public comments suggesting the contrary. Whatever the true explanation of the Sheedy affair may be, I have absolutely nothing at all to do with it.
I would please ask the media to respect my privacy and that of my family.