"When they come close to the Sun, this ice melts - solar wind blows this material out into space, so you get a tail of matter coming off the comet, " explains O'Brien.

BBC: Star of Bethlehem: The astronomical explanations

But No to Nato Scotland Coalition spokeswoman Leonna O'Neill said the issue was wider than an SNP party matter.

BBC: Anti-Nato campaigners deliver message to Holyrood

When asked why he had only brought the matter to the attention of the Tribunal this morning, Mr O'Toole said he had looked up the terms of reference in Garda headquarters after hearing the evidence last September of Gerry Collins, the Republic's justice minister at the time of the murders.

BBC: Smithwick Tribunal: Ex-garda denies changing evidence

O. could happen as early as this fall, people briefed on the matter told the paper.

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Speaking on RTE radio Mr O'Donnell said Mrs Halappanavar's widower is trying to get the truth of the matter.

BBC: Europe