Butler denies ‘rumours’ but resigns FF whip

FIANNA FÁIL Senator Larry Butler has insisted that the “rumours” surrounding his controversial expenses are “ill-founded” and that his name will be cleared.

But he confirmed last night that he would resign the party whip in a bid to end the “distraction” that the issue was causing to the Government and the Oireachtas.

He also announced that he would subject himself to the same Seanad committee that is examining his Fianna Fáil and Seanad colleague Ivor Callely’s expenses. Like Mr Callely, the controversy surrounding Mr Butler centres on the residence from which he has been claiming travel expenses.