Calley Defiantly Exits Fianna Fáil

Beleagured Senator Ivor Callely has resigned from Fianna Fáil after a party disciplinary committee found him guilty of "conduct unbecoming" following an investigation into his mobile phone expenses claims.

But Mr Callely said in a statement he was "devastated" by the refusal of the committee to give him more time to prepare his case.

However, Fianna Fáil in a statement issued minutes after that of Mr Calley said the senator’s resignation from the organisation with immediate effect had been accepted.

The statement added that Mr Callely had yesterday met the committee established by the party to enquire into certain matters concerning him.

"After careful consideration, the committee refused an application made on Senator Callely's behalf for a further adjournment of the proceedings of the committee," said a statement that went on to say that after a short adjournment, the committee was informed that Senator Callely had resigned from Fianna Fáil and that he intended to take no further part in the proceedings of the committee.

"The committee proceeded in the absence of Senator Callely to conclude its investigation and made a finding of conduct unbecoming a member of Fianna Fáil," the statement concluded.

A statement issued by his solicitors said it was with deep regret that Senator Callely had resigned from Fianna Fáil with immediate effect.

"Senator Callely's resignation arose following a refusal of the Fianna Fáil committee on inquiry to grant an adjournment on his legal counsel's application for the purposes of refuting the allegations made against him and because of the refusal of the committee to particularize alleged conduct 'unbecoming a member' of the Fianna Fáil party."

It added that Mr Callely considered the committee's findings as constituting a denial of fair procedures to allow him to vindicate his name and refute the allegations made against him.

(BMcC/KMcA)