Carey revelations are greeted with shock

TDs, former government ministers and marriage equality campaigners reacted with shock last night to revelations that former Fianna Fáil junior minister Pat Carey is the subject of “innuendo” of allegations of child abuse.

The individuals, who declined to comment on the record due to the legal nature of the case, said they were stunned at the news after the former TD said he is aware of “innuendo” claiming he is the individual who is the subject of the claims, but denied any suggestion of impropriety or wrongdoing.

In a statement to RTÉ News through his solicitor last night, Mr Carey said he is temporarily stepping aside as Fianna Fáil’s director of elections and from the party’s membership while the claims are examined.

He said he “absolutely and unconditionally denies any impropriety” and is stepping aside because of “rumour and innuendo”.

“Mr Carey is deeply upset to be contacted by various journalists on the matter when he has no knowledge of the actual complaints allegedly made,” the statement from Eames Solicitors said.

“He absolutely and unconditionally denies any impropriety in this matter or in his 30 years’ experience as a teacher, as a community worker and in his public life.

“He was distraught to first learn of these matters on the front page of a national newspaper.

“Mr Carey is a respected person and entitled to his good name. However, in order to allow the good work of the organisations that he is involved in to continue without controversy or distraction, he will step aside from all such roles to allow any investigation to take place.

“Mr Carey does not know if the allegations mentioned in the national press relate to him, but given the unfounded speculation that has arisen he is taking this action of his own volition and with a heavy heart.”

A number of former cabinet colleagues during the Brian Cowen government last night declined to go on record about the revelations, but privately said they were shocked that someone held in such high regard by other politicians would be embroiled in such controversy.

Over the past 48 hours a number of TDs also expressed their surprise and disappointment at the news, with one saying: “Surely it’s not Pat. You can’t be serious.”

Prominent marriage equality campaigners, who worked closely with Mr Carey during the recent referendum campaign, also declined to comment on the record, although campaign groups were considering releasing statements today.

In a statement, a party spokesperson said: “We have received confirmation of Pat Carey’s decision to step aside from his role as director of elections and as a member of Fianna Fáil. He has outlined his reasons.

“An announcement on his replacement as director of elections will be made in due course.”