O'Donoghue: 'I profited nothing' from expenses

Embattled Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue today said he did not get into public life for personal gain as the controversy about his lavish expenses rumbled on.

At the Listowel races in Co Kerry the former minister again said he regretted the high costs but stopped short of an apology.

It was the first time Mr O’Donoghue spoke in public on the expenses scandal after he ran up hundreds of thousands of euro on flights, courtesy cars and functions abroad with his wife during his time as Arts Minister.

“I explained to the Members of the House, my peers that yes, it is my view insofar as the costs were high, I regret this.

“But I have also explained that these were costs paid to service providers on my behalf, these were not costs which were paid to me.

“I profited nothing out of it.

“I did not go into public life to make a profit.”

Although not openly apologising, Mr O’Donoghue suggested his admission of regret could be taken as such.

The Ceann Comhairle broke his silence on the controversy yesterday over chauffeur-driven limousines, the Cheltenham Festival and first class travel, claiming he accepted some of the bills appeared high.

In a letter to Dáil colleagues, the Fianna Fáil TD said he expected to be treated with the same privilege as government ministers at home and a visiting dignitary when abroad.