PRESS RELEASE

06/10/2005

Time for Kenny to substantiate ‘celebration’ party claim

Deputy Government Chief Whip Billy Kelleher TD has called on Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to either substantiate or withdraw his claim that a party costing €40,000 was held to celebrate the PPARS system.

‘This morning in the Dáil, the Tánaiste, Mary Harney TD, made it clear that a standard Christmas party was held and that the party was paid for by the staff involved. She further pointed out that such information was clear from the FOI details that were submitted to the Fine Gael leader.

‘We now need to hear from Enda Kenny on this matter. The Fine Gael leader often bleats about “truth” and “trust”. Well, it is time we found out whether he means it. There is an important principle at stake here. While I would not play down the seriousness of the PPARS matter, it must not be used as an opportunity for Enda Kenny to make unsubstantiated claims.

‘If the Fine Gael leader is unwilling to back up his claim then we will have to conclude that he deliberately and willfully misled the Dáil,’ said Deputy Kelleher.