Kenny retains ‘full confidence’ in Tormey

OPPOSITION leader Enda Kenny last night expressed “full confidence” in a high-profile Fine Gael Dáil candidate who called for hard drugs to be decriminalised and for returning Irish missionaries to be tested for HIV.

The remarks by would-be TD for Dublin North West Dr Bill Tormey were branded “offensive” by Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who challenged Mr Kenny to disown him.

Dr Tormey, head of toxicology at Beaumont Hospital, came to national prominence last week when he disputed the findings of State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy on what caused the death of Brian Murphy outside Dublin’s Club Anabel in 2000.

He made his outspoken remarks on drugs, special housing zones for nuisance families and HIV testing for returning missionaries — on the grounds they may have been involved with local “concubines” — on RTÉ’s Late Late Show last Friday.

A spokesman for the Fine Gael leader insisted that while Mr Kenny did not share Dr Tormey’s views, he retained “full confidence” in him as the views were expressed in his capacity as a medical expert, not a candidate.

Mr McDowell suggested Mr Kenny’s failure to act against Dr Tormey made a sham of his claim to have ushered in a new “ethical agenda” to Irish politics.

Dr Tormey said Mr McDowell was acting like a bully and deliberately distorting his views.

“I was asked questions and I answered them. If you are stupid enough to take so-called recreational drugs, then you shouldn’t be punished for that,” he said.

“All those who sell the drugs should be charged and taken through the courts.

“I believe it is better to screen people coming to this country for a wide range of conditions, including HIV, so that anyone who needs it can receive the treatment required for their benefit and the benefit of others.”

Dr Tormey added there was well documented evidence of Catholic priests and other missionaries having sexual relations abroad.