Cowen says ‘it is up to Callely’ to consider position

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen said it is up to Senator Ivor Callely to consider his position as a member of the Seanad, admitting that despite being an appointee of his predecessor Bertie Ahern, he is powerless to dismiss him.

The Taoiseach was more direct on the issue of Mr Callely repaying any expenses wrongly claimed, saying he had noted the former Fianna Fáil senator’s public commitment to repay such monies.

Questioned on the issue of Mr Callely’s expenses, following a damning Seanad committee report that found he had “misrepresented” his place of residence for expense claim purposes, Mr Cowen said: “The question of his continued membership of the senate is a matter for Mr Calley himself to consider at this point.”