Fine Gael TD apologises for drunk threat to garda
A Fine Gael TD has issued a statement offering his apologies for his actions outside Leinster House earlier this year, when he allegedly attempted to drive his car while drunk.
Seventy-seven-year-old PJ Sheehan allegedly made threats to a female garda on July 8 last when she tried to prevent him using his car while he was intoxicated.
Mr Sheehan, 77, reportedly told the garda she would get nothing when Fine Gael got into power. It was 1am on the night the Dáil broke for the summer and Mr Sheehan was not able to stand properly.
His wife Frances apologised for him and eventually he was persuaded to take a taxi. Party leader Enda Kenny passed by shortly afterwards and advised the officers to ignore Mr Sheehan’s threats.
In his statement, Cork South West TD PJ Sheehan expressed his regret for the "embarrassment" he had caused to his party, constituents and family.
"I wish to offer a full and unreserved apology for my behaviour," he said..
"In particular I offer my deepest apologies to the gardaí on duty that night who were carrying out their duty in exemplary fashion," he said.
The sergeant on duty on the night in question said he was "shocked" that a garda was threatened.
"(Mr Sheehan) stated nothing of this sort had ever happened to him during his 30 years in office.
"He was highly offended that a garda should interfere with him in this manner. Mr Sheehan was clearly intoxicated and required my assistance to remain upright," he said.
The garda had to tell the usher at the gates not to lift the barrier or allow Mr Sheehan to drive out onto Merrion Road. The TD had approached the exit with his headlights off.
Mr Sheehan, who is from Goleen, is not contesting the next General Election.
