Former IFA president jailed for failing to pay fine

A former IFA president has been sent to prison after he failed to pay a fine relating to election signs.

John Dillon was fined arising from his use of three electronic display adverts during his failed bid for a Dáil seat during the General Election last year.

He refused to pay the fine, which also covered €2,000 costs for Limerick County Council.

This morning, he was met at his home by two gardaí and brought to Limerick Prison for non-payment.

“The electronic display signs which I used in last year's General Election were used by candidates in several constituencies, some of whom ran for political parties, and yet I find myself singled out for this outrageous sentence,” claimed Mr Dillon.

“I will defend my right to free speech and my right to campaign within the limits of the electoral acts.”

Supporter David Thompson said he believed that that Mr Dillon's jailing is "outrageous".

"Politicians have sat back and they're watching this sort of thing happening," he said.

"I think it's outrageous, and so do we all, his supporters here. We're just stunned, we can't believe it."