One of the three councillors under investigation for alleged overclaiming of expenses has said he will “robustly defend” any claims against him.
Cllr David Alcorn
And Cllr David Alcorn said he wants it to be known that his referral to the Standards In Public Office is NOT for double-claiming.
The Burtonport county councillor along with Cllrs Dessie Larkin and Padraig O’Dochartaigh have all been referred to SIPO by Donegal County Council.
It follows a series of anonymous allegations sent to the council claiming various misappropriations of expenses.
A statement issued this afternoon by Cllr Alcorn said “Cllr David Alcorn will defend his reputation robustly in the coming months and assures his supporters, friends and constituents he remains totally committed to public service and advancing the communities he serves.”
The Fianna Fail stalwart also attacked Donegal County Council’s handling of the matter.
He said he “bitterly disappointed” that the three comprehensive replies which he furnished to Donegal County Council were not accepted by them, especially in the context that the council themselves both signed off and issued payment to him on the basis of his original claim forms for partial attendance of conferences in line with existing precedent on the issuing of such payments in the council since he joined the council in 1999.
He stated “I welcome the opportunity to have this matter examined in detail by officials from Standards in public office, who will independently investigate the matter in great detail.”
He also welcomesd the fact that his referral is on the grounds of section 8.2 of the code of conduct of councillors which means the partially attendance of conferences ( he further clarifies, that he clearly and honestly only claimed for partial attendance of the conference when he submitted his original claim to Donegal County Council, in line with existing precedent in Donegal County Council).
Cllr Alcorn added that this is his 44th year in serving the people of the Gaeltachta and west Donegal.
“The past 9 months have been by far the most difficult on my wife and family and I thank the many people who have supported me in this difficult period,” he stated.
He conlcuded he will not be issuing any further statements until the investigation is completed by SIPO.
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