Callely blames turmoil in personal life for clocking up hefty expenses

THE Ivor Callely expenses saga took an extraordinary twist last night as the senator blamed turmoil in his personal life for the size of his travel claims.

After resigning from Fianna Fáil, Mr Callely pleaded for greater understanding over the €81,015 allowances he billed the taxpayer for regarding journeys to and from his holiday home in west Cork.

The North Dublin-based Mr Callely said he had felt “rejected” after losing his Dáil seat in the capital in 2007 and preferred to stay in Cork.