Cork Senator Jerry Buttimer has claimed that the release of a Garda file on fellow Fine Gael politician and Cork South West TD, PJ Sheehan, is highly suspicious given its timing, just days after Brian Cowen was accused of being hungover on national radio. The Cork South Senator was commenting on revelations that Deputy Sheehan threatened a garda after she stopped him driving out of Leinster House under the influence of alcohol during July.
Senator Buttimer said the timing was unusual, as it followed reports that there may be a leadership battle in Fianna Fail.
“I think it’s suspicious that this file was out in the public domain at this time, when the incident took place three months ago. The same thing happened earlier in the year when Trevor Sargent’s private letter became public after the situation with Willy O’Dea. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone and I’m not going to elaborate on it, but I am calling on the Garda Commissioner to look into this situation and see how it happened.”
Senator Buttimer said that he was not aware of the incident until Sunday and that drink driving should never be condoned.
“PJ Sheehan has been a good public representative, but we can not allow or tolerate drink driving. It’s time we had a debate on the use of alcohol. I am not going to give PJ a lecture. He’s a grown man and he knows what he has done. I can only comment.”
It is reported that 77-year-old Deputy Sheehan told the garda that “when we get into power you will get nothing” and that she would be “in trouble over this.”
Since the incident came to public knowledge, Deputy Sheehan has resigned from his position as Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture and has made a public apology.
“I wish to offer a full and unreserved apology for my behaviour on 8 July 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 Gardaí 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 Gardaí in question.”
Fellow Cork South West TD, Jim O’Keeffe said that concerned citizens have come to him about the situation.
“A number of people have expressed the concerns to me about the situation, but most of these people would have been Fine Gael supporters. The response seems to be more sorrow than anger though. It is very unfortunate that this has happened towards the end of a long career in politics. It was inappropriate behaviour but I am glad he has apologised.”
Party Leader, Enda Kenny spoke of the situation at his recent visit to the Ploughing Championships, saying that it was an embarrassment to the party.
“This should never have happened and was completely out of character for the deputy involved."”
Alcohol Awareness Ireland and the Road Safety Authority would not comment on the incident when contacted.
Suspicion surrounds Sheehan file
