Fianna Fáil Senator hits out at 'smear campaign'

A Fianna Fáil Senator has today claimed that he is at the centre of a smear campaign, as allegations emerge of irregularities in expenses he claimed as a member of Donegal County Council.

Senator Brian O'Dohmnaill was responding to confirmation from the Council that its Ethics Registrar had received correspondence questioning expenses claimed by him when he was a member of the local authority in 2006 and 2007.

He gave up his seat, when he was elected to the Seanad.

In a statement, Donegal County Council said that it has received correspondence relating to Travel & Subsistence claims made by Senator Brian O’Domhnaill for events attended on behalf of the Council during 2006 and 2007, while he was a member of the Council.

The statement adds that the Council can also confirm that the matter is being processed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act, 2001.

In a statement, Senator O'Domhnaill said he welcome the investigation.

He added that there is absolutely no foundation to any of the allegations made and said he looked forward to the Council's findings.

The Senator concluded that he is confident the investigation will finally put an end to what he described as "this political smear campaign".