Cullen silent as ethics body waits for legal advice on fresh probe
Yesterday, the State ethics body sought more legal advice before deciding what to do in the case.
If the Standards In Public Office Commission (SIPO) does launch a full inquiry, it will have serious political consequences for the Transport Minister as opposition parties will demand his resignation.
After debating the issue for four hours at its meeting yesterday, SIPO surprisingly decided to get further legal advice.
Although it is unclear how long it will take for the legal advisers to come back with their views, SIPO is believed to be hoping to conclude the matter as soon as possible.
“On receipt of that advice, the Standards Commission will meet again to continue its deliberations. In the meantime, the Standards Commission will not be issuing any further statement or making any comment,” SIPO said in a statement yesterday Mr Cullen maintained his position of not publicly responding to the issue until a final decision is made.
“The minister will be making no comment during the deliberation process,” his spokesman said.
Yesterday’s meeting was expected to result in a decision either way and the fact SIPO continues to examine the matter was viewed last night as a cause for concern for the minister.
The members of the commission have also studied the report published last week by former Revenue Commissioners chairman Dermot Quigley.
That inquiry cleared the minister of any wrongdoing but said that the suggestion of Ms Leech’s name for appointment risked a perception of impropriety.
Also yesterday, further details emerged of a weekend trip by Mr Cullen and three officials to an exclusive resort on a tropical Malaysian island last year.
