John Gilligan will go on trial in Spain today on drugs and weapon charges.
It comes ahead of a three-part programme about the convicted drug dealer which begins on Virgin Media tonight.
Veronica Guerin's brother and the Minister for Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, are among those who've expressed concerns about the controversial programme.
#WATCH One of the most notorious criminals in Irish history, John Gilligan, speaks in a groundbreaking series, to be aired on Virgin Media Television
News Correspondent @newschambers has more details #VMNews pic.twitter.com/jHik1QR96T
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) August 31, 2023
The producer of the show, David Harvey, is defending it.
''I think she (Minister Naughton) was opportunistic jumping on it when she was asked a question. She didn't issue a statement in advance.
''In terms of Jimmy Guerin's view..... I've known Jimmy a long time. I've known him 40 years. He's always been very possessively in charge of Veronica's legacy and justifiable so. And has just been admirable in year upon year, looking after her memory and also gone after John Gilligan . So I wasn't surprised with what Jimmy had to say though I did offer him an opportunity earlier in the year to participate and I did speak to him a few weeks ago.''
