The Daily Star Ireland
Fine Gael has announced that it will initiate a disciplinary process against Senator Martin Conway, following his resignation from the parliamentary party after failing to inform party headquarters about his recent arrest.
The Clare-based senator confirmed in a statement that he was arrested on January 22 on O’Connell Street in Dublin for being intoxicated due to the consumption of sleeping tablets and alcohol. He stated that he was detained at Store Street Garda Station before being released without charge a few hours later but acknowledged that he did not disclose the incident to Fine Gael leadership.
Now an Independent Senator, Conway had previously been the subject of an internal Fine Gael inquiry in 2020, related to an allegation from 2018.
Reports indicate that Conway was accused of inappropriate behavior toward a female Oireachtas staff member who was employed by a Fine Gael politician.
In response to inquiries, a Fine Gael spokesperson stated that the accusation was put directly to Conway, and he subsequently apologized. The apology was conveyed to the female staff member, who accepted it and agreed that no further action from the party was necessary.
The spokesperson emphasized that the female staff member had requested privacy and asked that media outlets respect her anonymity. They clarified that Fine Gael would only respond to media queries regarding the case with her full consent and knowledge.
Regarding his recent arrest for intoxication, Senator Conway issued an apology, expressing regret for the incident. He extended his apologies to his family, colleagues, supporters, and nominating body, Vision Ireland, admitting that he had let himself down.
He also acknowledged the involvement of An Garda Síochána, apologizing for the fact that officers had to deal with the situation.
