Exclusive fine gael td conlan i was assaulted

TD attends garda station over alleged incident

Paul Neilan

Controversial Fine Gael TD Sean Conlan attended Castleblayney Garda Station yesterday morning in relation to an alleged assault in his Ballybay pub.
The 40-year-old’s office, also yesterday morning, released a statement saying that he has been nominated by party members to contest next week’s selection convention for Cavan-Monaghan.
Mr Conlan hit the headlines again last week when the alleged assault was reported to have happened in his Ballybay pub on Sunday, August 23. At around 8pm on Sunday, gardaí were called to Conlan’s on main street in the town, after what the Celt understands to be an argument about Irish Water.
A Garda spokesperson said yesterday morning: “Gardaí in Monaghan have arrested man in his 40s in relation to an alleged assault in a licensed premises in Ballybay on August 23. He was arrested by appointment at approximately 9.30am at Castleblayney Garda Station and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.”
Sean Conlan later released a statement saying: “I attended the Garda Station in Castleblayney this morning voluntarily to give my statement of complaint to the Gardai about the assault which was perpetrated on me in my family pub last Sunday. I cooperated fully with the Gardaí. As this is an ongoing investigation and I will be making no further comment in relation to the matter.”
His office later insisted he was not arrested and was there voluntarily.
The Celt understands the Ballybay man to believe that stories are appearing in national media in an attempt by political rivals to smear him.
“I have been nominated by Fine Gael party members to contest the Fine Gael General Election selection convention, which will take place next Tuesday, September 9,” said the Cavan-Monaghan TD in his statement.
Elected in 2009 to Ballybay Town Council, Mr Conlan said: “The party is expected to run three candidates and with the support of Fine Gael members I hope to be one of those three.”
A rift between Mr Conlan and high ranking figures in Fine Gael has been apparent in political circles for quite some time and he has blamed elements in the party for leaking a story about him and an engagement ring returned to a London jewellers.
Sources close to Mr Conlan say his coverage in certain media outlets has been “disgraceful” and that he firmly believes that political rivals have been briefing journalists against him.
“Contrary to reports in Irish news media over the last week, I have been in regular contact with Fine Gael Headquarters and many very loyal and supportive members of the Fine Gael party here in Monaghan and Cavan over the last week.
“I have over the last four and half years worked hard to represent the best interests of my constituents and with the support of the people I will continue to do so. I will not be making any further comment at this time,” his statement said.
At the time of going to press Fine Gael’s press office released a similar statement on his behalf with the addded paragraph:
“It is important that we return a stable Government to ensure that we build on the progress already made and to secure the recovery of our country so that our young people can live, work and grow old here at home. I believe that Fine Gael is the party best placed to achieve this goal.”
Gardai later confirmed that the arrested man was released without charge and a file on the alleged incident will be sent to the DPP.