Phil Hogan, Ireland's EU Commissioner for Trade, has released a statement explaining his presence at the golf event which has sparked controversy and the resignation of Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary.
The event in Clifden, Galway, was attended by more than 80 people and may have breached Covid-19 regulations.
Gardai are now investigating whether the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner was in breach of the regulations which ban indoor gatherings for over 50 people.
While the hotel did not confirm who the attendees were, the guest list included Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary, EU commissioner Phil Hogan. independent TD Noel Grealish, Supreme Court Judge Seamus Woulfe, and former RTÉ broadcaster Sean O'Rourke.
Since the Irish Examiner broke the story, Calleary has resigned from his position and Jerry Buttimer has also resigned as vice-chair of the Seanad.
Earlier this morning, Senators John Cummins, Paul Daly, Paddy Burke, Aidan Davitt, Niall Blaney, and Noel Grealish, the captain of the Oireachtas Golf Society, have all apologised for their behaviour in attending the function.
However, Phil Hogan did not go so far as to apologise in his statement via Twitter.
"I attended the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner on Wednesday on the clear understanding that the organisers and the hotel concerned had been assured [by the Irish Hotels’ Federation] that the arrangements put in place would be in compliance with the government’s guidelines. Prior to the event, I had complied fully with the government’s quarantine requirements, having been in Ireland since late July."
Yes, we're all asking the same thing.
After noticing that the event wasn't in compliance with the government guidelines, why didn't Hogan leave?
Again, to use his own words, why didn't he leave to remain 'in compliance with the government’s guidelines'.
Virgin Media journalist Gavan Reilly has also raised another issue regarding the legality of Hogan's visit to Galway.
Reilly states: "We understand Phil Hogan has been spending some of his time, since returning to Ireland, at a property in Co Kildare. For the last two weeks, Kildare residents have been asked not to leave the county for non-essential journeys. The Commissioner has yet to reply to our inquiries."
We understand Phil Hogan has been spending some of his time, since returning to Ireland, at a property in Co Kildare. For the last two weeks, Kildare residents have been asked not to leave the county for non-essential journeys. The Commissioner has yet to reply to our inquiries.
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) August 21, 2020
During a discussion on RTÉ Radio, Seanad leader and Fine Gael's Regina Doherty was very frank about her views on Hogan, a party colleague.
"At the very least he needs to do is apologise. He has really misread the public mood. I would love to see an apology," she said before describing Hogan's actions as “a stunning lapse of judgement.”
Sinn Féin's David Cullinane has said Mr Hogan should resign as EU Commissioner.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sarah McInerney, the Waterford TD said Mr Hogan breached guidelines, adding he is "a very, very experienced politician and should have known what the guidelines were."
Deputy Cullinane said the episode "smacks of arrogance" and shows there is "confusion, chaos and dysfunction at the heart of the Government".
Simon Harris noted that "the Oireachtas golf dinner should clearly not have proceeded. It was absolutely the wrong thing to do and a stomach punch to everyone in this country who has sacrificed so much," while Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said:
"The event organised by the Oireachtas Golf Society should not have happened. I understand how extremely difficult the restrictions have been for people and the enormous sacrifices we have all made.
"Funerals, christenings, weddings, family holidays and other really important family occasions have been foregone to protect each other and the most vulnerable. As representatives, we should lead by example. In recognition of the seriousness of this matter, I have removed the party whip from Senators Jerry Buttimer, Paddy Burke and John Cummins.
"Senator Jerry Buttimer has also resigned his position as Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad. All have apologised profusely and accept they made a serious error of judgment."
The event organised by the Oireachtas Golf Society should not have happened. I understand how extremely difficult the restrictions have been for people and the enormous sacrifices we have all made
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) August 21, 2020
SEE ALSO: Dara Calleary Resigns From Cabinet After Attending Golfing Event With 80 People
Main image via Phil Hogan/Twitter
