Mitchell exonerated by Fine Gael disciplinary committee

Fine Gael TD Olivia Mitchell has been exonerated by the party's disciplinary committee in relation to findings made about her in the Mahon Tribunal report.

However the Fine Gael Whip has been removed from Councillor Therese Ridge who was also mentioned in the report - and the committee is calling for her resignation.

The disciplinary board of Fine Gael says after considering the submissions made and the evidence heard, it has decided to exonerate Olivia Mitchell from any complaint.

Deputy Mitchell was mentioned in the Mahon report for her acceptance of an unsolicited election contribution from former government press secretary Frank Dunlop in 1992 - when she was a councillor.

In a statement, the committee has said that Deputy Mitchell remains in the highest good standing in Fine Gael, and it has decided that no action is merited.

However, South Dublin Councillor Therese Ridge has been asked to tender her resignation to the party in light of her relationship with Frank Dunlop, which the committee said has "severely compromised her role as a public representative".

Councillor Ridge is required to resign from the party within 7 days.

In a statement this evening, Olivia Mitchell said that she is pleased, but not surprised that the Fine Gael Disciplinary Committee found she has no case to answer.

Deputy Mitchell also said that she fully supports the recommendations of the Mahon Report and hopes to see them implemented at the earliest possible date.