13/10/2009

O'Donoghue To Address Daíl Over Expenses

The Ceann Comhairle is to address the Daíl today after announcing last week he was to stand down over his expenses controversy.

The House will then elect a new speaker, and speculation is following Seamus Kirk, chairman of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.

Mr O'Donoghue has been on the receiving end of continued criticism over his expenses claims, and said he would resign over the expenses he incurred both as a Minister and in his current position as speaker.

Mr O'Donoghue had initially enraged colleagues and the media by refusing to apologise when the excessive nature of his claims, which included limo journeys to the airport, trips to French horse racing meetings, and over €60,000 for domestic flights within Ireland all paid for by the taxpayer.

This afternoon, when the Dáil meets at 2.30pm Mr O'Donoghue will make a statement from the chair before resigning.

It is expected he will give his side of the expenses story, which he was unable to do last week because of his position.

The House will then adjourn briefly before electing a new Ceann Comhairle.

(DW/KMcA)

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