Collins resists demands for his resignation

LIMERICK West Fianna Fáil Deputy Michael Collins remained defiant last night despite calls for his resignation.

Mr Collins said he regretted that the issue of his tax liability arose, but insisted it predated last year’s general election.

In a statement issued yesterday he said: “I can confirm I have discharged my liabilities to the Revenue Commissioners. I deeply regret the fact that this issue arose in respect of a liability that predated my membership of the Oireachtas. I fully accept the decision of the Revenue Commissioners in this matter regarding the assessment of liability.

“I am in possession of a tax clearance certificate in compliance with the statutory requirement”.

However, a prominent Fianna Fáil member of Limerick County Council, Cllr John Gallahue of Ballylanders, last night called on Mr Collins to consider his position because he believed it was “totally untenable”.

“Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has no choice but to call for the immediate removal of the party whip from Deputy Collins. Mr Ahern must be seen to be leading the party in cleaning up the political system rocked by scandals in recent years.

“If there was a general election tomorrow morning Fianna Fáil would be routed,” said Cllr Gallahue.

“There is general disillusionment with the present Government, according to the public opinion polls, and if the Government fails to deliver on its promises during their period in office then they deserve to be turfed out of office,” he added.

Asked about Fianna Fáil retaining their two seats in the Limerick West Constituency in the next general election, Cllr Gallahue said if there was an election Fianna Fáil would have difficulty retaining the second seat.