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Councillor in photo controversy ready to move on

Wednesday, 03 September 2008

FINGLAS councillor Liam Kelly has said he is ready and waiting to put the ‘white powder’ scandal of two years ago behind him.
Speaking exclusively to Northside People Cllr Kelly explained where he stands professionally over the publication of photographs which showed him hunched over a white powder substance and holding a rolled up piece of paper.
“It would have suited me to make a statement on the matter a long time ago where I could apologise for certain things but because I am a witness of the State in relation to the investigation I have not been able to comment,” he said.
“I hoped that the Garda investigation would be completed at this stage but it has been held up.
“I have to wait for the wheels of justice to move, even though the process has been slow.”
Both Fianna Fail and the Gardai launched an investigation into allegations of drug use and blackmail which followed publication of the photos.
The Garda investigation resulted in a Northside man being charged with attempting to extort money from the Glasnevin councillor.
On July 9, the accused failed to appear in relation to the charges and the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
It is alleged that, between August 6 and 12, 2006, the man demanded money using threats from Cllr Kelly, contrary to Section 17 of the Criminal Justice Act.
“The fact that the accused failed to turn up has certainly prolonged the process,” Cllr Kelly told Northside People.
“I think the Fianna Fail inquiry is still waiting to see what the outcome of the Garda investigation will be.”
Although no longer a Fianna Fail representative, Cllr Kelly is still attending Fianna Fail cumann meetings. However, he is not privy to attend group meetings of senior Fianna Fail members.
“I made an agreement not to attend group meetings,” he told Northside People.
“I didn’t want to put the other members in a compromising situation.”
However, Cllr Kelly is celebrating some good news having been named as one of four Fianna Fail candidates included on a shortlist of potential nominees for the Finglas/Ballymun electoral ward in preparation for next year’s elections. His name has been sent to the Mount Street headquarters who will decide if the nomination can go ahead.
“I’m delighted to receive the support from local members of my party,” he said.
“It’s good news and hopefully the nomination will be ratified by the head office in October. Obviously, I hope I’ll be running in the next elections but I can’t take it for granted.”
The 37-year-old assures his constituents that he is still acting as an independent councillor and is “open for business”.

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