SINN FEIN North East election candidate Padraig MacLochlainn has called for Inishowen Senator Cecilia Keaveney to explain her recent expenses controversy – or resign.
Senator Keaveney wrongly claimed €140 for each of nine nights. On those different occasions she was in PARIS, ISTANBUL, BELFAST and STRASBOURG – when her accommodation was already paid for.
The revelations came in documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
Now Deputy LOrd Mayor of Donegal, Colr MacLochlainn said Ms Keaveney must clear up the matter once and for all.
He added that she simply cannot remian silent on the issue.
“Senator Cecilia Keaveney needs to give an explanation how this double claim transpired and she needs to do it immediately.
“The public have watched the John O’ Donoghue and Ivor Calelly debacles with outrage to mention but a few.
“Huge damage has been done to politics by the expenses culture and politicians need to demonstrate that they are listening to their concerns”
“If this was an honest mistake by an administrator or assistant, then Senator Keaveney needs to outline how it happened in clear terms.
“Of course, she also needs to apologise and accept responsibility for a dereliction of her duties.
“We can give the Senator the benefit of the doubt at this stage but if repeated calls for clarification are ignored then we are in calls for resignation territory,” he said.
