RTE reporter Charlie Bird has rejected suggestions that his expose about NIB investment schemes would damage the political career of Beverly Cooper-Flynn.
Speaking from the witness box at the libel trial being brought against RTE by the Mayo TD, Mr Bird said he did accept his report would have some impact on her career.
However, he insisted that Ms Cooper-Flynn would "do alright" in Mayo at the next general election.
The libel action relates to claims by RTE in 1998 that Deputy Cooper-Flynn encouraged investors to break the law by investing in CMI offshore schemes.