The Independent presidential candidate, Mr Derek Nally, has called on the Government to release the Department of Foreign Affairs documents relating to conversations which Prof Mary McAleese had with a civil servant about support for Sinn Fein.
In a statement issued early this morning, Mr Nally said it was incumbent on the Government and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to release the documents and files for public scrutiny.
He had earlier appeared to back down from his attack on Prof McAleese, the Fianna Fail/Progressive Democrats candidate, over her attitude towards Sinn Fein.
But in this morning's statement Mr Nally said he accepted the analysis of his director of publicity, Mr John Caden, in an article in today's Irish Times, which stands over the questions raised by Mr Nally this week.
Mr Nally's statement continued: "Mary McAleese has twice denied making the statements attributed to her. The full set of documents relating to this issue lie within the offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs to which I do not have access.
"In the light of Ms McAleese's denials, as a fellow candidate I am disposed to accept her word. However, as this is an important and unsettled issue in this Presidential election, it is incumbent on the Government and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to release the documents and files for public scrutiny so that the matter may be fully resolved."
Mr Nally had said earlier last night he now accepted Prof McAleese was not sympathetic to Sinn Fein.
"I accept her word. If she categorically denies the claim, and unless we hear anything from the other person, we must accept her version of events."
The row developed over a document drawn up by a Department of Foreign Affairs official which quoted Ms McAleese as saying she was pleased with Sinn Fein's performance in the British general election.
Ms McAleese denied making the comments attributed to her.