Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Independent TD Luke Ming Flanagan. Sam Boal /Photocall Ireland

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan to 'tell all' about wiping of penalty points from his licence

Flanagan said gardaí contacted him offering to remove the points from his record.

INDEPENDENT TD, LUKE ‘Ming’ Flanagan is set to defend himself in the Dáil this week following a report in a Sunday newspaper claiming he had penalty points wiped from his record by gardaí.

The Sunday Independent reported that Flanagan was stopped by gardaí in June 2011 and issued with a fine of €60 and two penalty points for driving while operating his mobile phone. The report alleges the independent TD insisted that he was on “Dáil business” and in these instances a member of the Oireachtas can request that their points be removed from their licence.

Today the TD tweeted that he had actually been contacted by gardaí who offered to remove the points from his record and said he would be addressing the issue on the Dáil this week.

In February, Flanagan launched an attack on the government over revelations about penalty points being wiped from the driving licences of well-known public figures. At the time, he suggested that this indicated a degree of corruption within An Garda Síochana.

In the Dáil he said the revelations about penalty points showed “quite clearly that in this country some people are more important than others”.

When contacted by TheJournal.ie today, Flanagan said he will make a statement during his speaking time in the Dáil on Tuesday and that he would make no further comment until then.

Related: Shatter: ‘Difficult not to throw up’ listening to Ming on gardaí>
More: Garda Commissioner: Investigation into penalty points cancellations will be ‘rigorous’>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
162 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds