Callely refused expenses watchdog help

IVOR CALLELY refused two offers from Oireachtas expenses watchdogs to intervene with the Finance Minister on his behalf and move him to a lower claims band.

Mr Callely rebuffed the help from the upper house’s officials, insisting he had spoken to Brian Lenihan himself about his situation.

The revelations emerged as the Seanad probe investigating Mr Callely’s €81,015 travel expense claims, centred on his West Cork holiday home, heard evidence from the head of the parliamentary expenses operation.