Taoiseach: 'I can't sack Callely'

The Taoiseach has said he does not have the power to sack Senator Ivor Callely, after a Seanad committee hearing found the Senator had intentionally misrepresented his holiday home in Cork as being his primary residence in claiming expenses.

In answer to a direct question, Brian Cowen said: "There is no sanction available to the Taoiseach of the day that would involve my dismissing (Mr Callely) as a senator…that's not possible for me to do."