The Dublin medic, Dr Paddy Leahy, who travelled to Thailand to plan his death, said last night he was "mystified" by reports that he has changed his mind and intended to return to live in Britain.
Dr Leahy (81), who has terminal cancer, told The Irish Times he had not made up his mind on whether he would stay or not. His uppermost concern at this point was the distress the issue of his possible death had caused his son and daughter, which had been heightened by some media reports - medical representative organisations in both Ireland and Thailand have said euthanasia, or assisted death, is unethical and illegal in both countries.
"I would like the matter to die down in the media. My kids are very distressed. We will see what happens then. It's not that bloody important. There must be something more important," he said.