Royston Brady in Dublin bombings controversy
One of Fianna Fáil's highest-profile candidates in the European elections is at the centre of a major controversy this afternoon.
It has been reported that Royston Brady, who claims his father's taxi was stolen and used as a getaway car by loyalists who bombed Dublin in 1974, has not co-operated with inquiries into the atrocity.
The Evening Herald has said the inquiry into the 1974 bombings has asked Mr Brady to give details of the story that he has told twice to the media. The paper has said he has not responded to the request.
Some of the victim’s families are now accusing Mr Brady of using the bombings to get votes.
Fianna Fáil are taking the issue seriously. At a news conference with Minister Martin Cullen, one of his advisors tried to prevent a TV3 cameraman from filming the front page of the paper. Minister Cullen was asked about the matter and the whereabouts of Mr Brady.
The Minister replied: "Everybody runs campaigns in their own way. The object of the exercise is to meet the people. Because he is meeting the people doesn't mean that he is not engaging with the media."
Royston Brady has denied he ever used the incident to obtain the sympathy of voters.
