Bobby Molloy, Judge convenes sitting for clarification
The Progressive Democrats in Galway say that they will hold a convention as soon as possible to select a candidate to fight the forthcoming election. Dana Rosemary Scallon says she will announce within the next few days if she intends to stand.
Meanwhile Bobby Molloy has been explaining his reasons for resigning as Minister of State. In an interview on a local radio station, Mr Molloy said that while all his instincts told him this mistake was serious, the perception of it was far more serious than what he felt he had done.
The Progressive Democrats TD for Galway West said that he did not want to damage his party or to create difficulties. He said he felt it was important he would do the right thing and this was to resign his position as Minister of State.
This comes as more details emerged today about the controversy which led to the resignation as Junior Minister for the Environment. The High Court Judge at the centre of the affair convened a special court sitting this morning for "clarification purposes".
Mr Justice Philip O'Sullivan said this morning that he received two phone calls on behalf of Bobby Molloy. The first call was from a man in the Department of Justice who wanted to know on behalf of Bobby Molloy if he could be phoned at home. Mr Justice O'Sullivan replied: "Certainly not".
Judge O'Sullivan was later phoned in his Chambers by a lady who asked him whether he had received information from the convicted man's sister. He said this call was on behalf of Minister Molloy, adding that this caller did not mention phoning him at home.
Michael Noonan said that Judge O'Sullivan's remarks raised an appalling vista, suggesting collusion between people in different departments to try to influence a Judge's sentencing. The Fine Gael leader called on the Taoiseach to immediately call in former Minister Molloy and Justice Minister John O'Donoghue to clarify the facts of the situation.
