Kenny backs Shatter as FF table no confidence motion

Taoiseach Enda Kenny threw his full weight behind embattled Alan Shatter as the justice minister faced a bruising no confidence motion in the Dáil next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Fianna Fáil triggered the censure move as the controversy surrounding Mr Shatter’s failure to complete a roadside breathalyser test continued to swirl.

Mr Kenny accused Fianna Fáil of “political opportunism”, insisting he had full personal confidence in Mr Shatter.

Stepping up his campaign against Mr Shatter, Independent TD Mattie McGrath claimed that gardaí who dealt with the incident were left in “quite an upset state because of the nature and the nastiness of the incident” involving Mr Shatter.

He re-ignited the penalty points furore when he forced Mr Shatter to reveal he had been stopped by gardaí before he became a minister in late 2008 or early 2009.

Mr Shatter insisted he did not complete a breath test at the time due to his asthma and was “waved on” by officers after he informed them he was travelling back from the Dáil.

Mr McGrath said the minister had failed to answer key questions, such if his behaviour to the gardaí was cordial, did they let him off with a caution, and did he invoke the law banning TDs being stopped going to and from the Oireachtas.

Mr Kenny said he had not discussed with Mr Shatter if he had invoked such Oireachtas privilege.

Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Niall Collins also launched a fresh attack on the minister, saying many aspects of the incident remained murky.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan led support for Mr Shatter, saying that the controversy over Garda discretion was now closed.

Health Minister James Reilly said the fact Mr McGrath had got the date of the incident wrong proved he was confused.

In a key intervention Labour heavyweight Education Minister Ruairi Quinn warned the situation had been blown out of proportion by the opposition.