Brennan backs Fahey over allegations

Minister for Social and Family Affairs Seamus Brennan has said that he does not believe his Government colleague Frank Fahey has a case to answer over his multi-million-euro business interests.

Mr Fahey has reportedly asked gardaí to investigate what he described as a political vendetta to undermine him in the next general election.

The Junior Minister for Justice has come under increasing political pressure following a series of articles about his business interests, including links to a Russian hairdressing salon.

Mr Brennan said he was satisfied with Mr Fahey's explanations: “I know Frank Fahey for many years. We’re both Galway people and I don’t know that there’s any serious case to answer. He has defended himself and I’m quite satisfied with his explanation.

“He is a very fine public representative and has served the people of Galway for so long. I know that he is angry about a lot of the allegations about him and I know that he’s dealing with them.”