Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne arrested on suspicion of drink driving

Malcolm Byrne outside Leinster House, Dublin. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Fianna Fáil will consider “any developments” in relation to a party TD arrested on suspicion of drink driving in recent days.

Malcolm Byrne was stopped by gardaí in Dublin City centre at around 5am on Thursday morning, where he was asked to take a breathalyser test.

When this failed test came back, the Wicklow-Wexford TD opted to go to a nearby Garda station to provide a urine sample. It is understood the results of this sample have yet to come back.

In a statement, Mr Byrne confirmed that he had been travelling to Dublin Airport, when he stopped at a mandatory Garda checkpoint in Dublin city centre, close to his hotel.

“I was subsequently arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. 

"I am cooperating fully with An Garda Síochána. As the matter is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.” 

Mr Byrne who has served as both a TD and Senator, added that he had informed the party of this matter immediately.

A spokesperson for the Fianna Fáil party said: “The party will consider any developments in relation to this matter.

“As this is an ongoing investigation and Deputy Byrne is cooperating fully with An Garda Síochána, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,” the spokesperson said.