TD Sheehan Resigns From Party

The Fine Gael TD who yesterday apologised for his drunken abuse levelled at a female Garda last July, has this morning resigned from the party.

Cork South West TD PJ Sheehan, who is the Opposition's Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture with Special Responsibility for Forestry, made the announcement after a meeting with the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny this morning.

The TD was reported to have threatened a female garda after she prevented him from driving as he left the Dail following the last session before the summer recess.

Speaking this morning, Mr Sheehan said: "Following a discussion today with Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD, I have tendered my resignation as Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture with Special Responsibility for Forestry, with immediate effect.

"I have advised the Party Leader that I do not want to be considered for any other position.

Despite resigning from the party, Mr Sheehan said that he would continue to "work diligently" on behalf of his constituents in Cork South West.

The female garda originally said that, at 1am on July 8, Mr Sheehan was very intoxicated as he approached his car outside Leinster House. After she approached him, the garda said Mr Sheenan threatened that her actions would damage her future career.

On Sunday night, the long-serving TD expressed his regret at the "embarrassment" he caused to his party, constituents and family.

Mr Sheehan said he wished to offer "a full and unreserved apology for my behaviour on July 8 in the environs of Leinster House.

"This behaviour was totally out of character in my 30 years in politics. In particular, I offer my deepest apologies to the gardai on duty that night, who were carrying out their duty in exemplary fashion.

"I also deeply regret the embarrassment this incident has caused the Fine Gael Party, its leader, my colleagues in the party, my constituents in Cork South-West and my wife and family. I intend writing a letter in the morning expressing my deep personal apologies and regrets to the gardai in question."

The incident happened last July, but his apology came last night in the wake of an outpouring of controversy over Brian Cowen's allegedly drunk or hungover interview on Morning Ireland last week.

This morning's resignation is believed to be a Fine Gael clamp down on such behaviours after the party's vehement criticism of Brian Cowen over last weeks interviews.

(DW/BMcC)