FF senator calls for Lawlor's resignation

Fianna Fail senator Margaret Cox has called for the resignation of Liam Lawlor following his imprisonment for a third time today.

The member of Lawlor's former party said: ‘‘His return to jail for the third time indicates that he is not co-operating with the tribunal and therefore, in my opinion, his position is untenable.

‘‘The Dail agreed a motion of censure a year or 18 months ago requesting Mr Lawlor co-operated with the tribunal and it would appear from the various visits that he has had to Mountjoy that he has not done so.

‘‘I am assuming that most people in the Oireachtas would feel that this is reflecting badly on the houses of the Oireachtas and on politicians in general.

‘‘I am disappointed that he has not resigned already. I did believe that he would make his own decision in the interests of the dignity and respect due to the parliament of the country.’’

She added: ‘‘I think there is a feeling of anger and bitterness throughout the entire country in relation to his behaviour.’’

But as members prepared to debate Lawlor’s future he suggested he could bring other politicians down with him.

In interviews on Monday he said: ‘‘There are certain people who are criticising who might have a lot less to say if they knew what I had discovered to the tribunal.

‘‘There are certain opposition politicians who should be under investigation by this tribunal as a result of the documentation in those files.’’

He remained defiant over calls for his resignation and said he had done all he could to comply with the Flood Tribunal’s requests.

‘‘It is an incredible all-embracing requirement and these matters have been innocently forgotten,’’ he said.

He has also refused to rule out standing at the general election - expected to be held in May.