Conlan expected to be charged over alleged pub assault

Cavan-Monaghan TD Seán Conlan, who resigned from Fine Gael on Tuesday, is expected to be charged in relation to an alleged assault in a pub.

Mr Conlan resigned from Fine Gael, saying he disagreed with an unpopular cross-border electricity interconnector, which requires the erection of pylons and high-voltage lines in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

The deputy, from Ballybay in Co Monaghan, said he would run as an Independent in the constituency where he was elected alongside Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys and backbencher Joe O’Reilly.

The three were selected to run again in September, but Mr Conlan was told his candidacy would not be ratified by Fine Gael’s executive council if he was charged in relation to the alleged assault.

He was arrested on September 1st in relation to an alleged incident on August 23rd, released without charge and a file was sent to the DPP. The DPP is understood to have finalised the matter with the gardaí and Mr Conlan is expected to appear in court in Carrickmacross.

In a statement, Mr Conlan referred only to his objections to the North South Interconnector. His move follows the resignation of Monaghan Fine Gael councillor Hugh McElvaney, from Corcaghan, over the same issue.

A Fine Gael spokesman wished Mr Conlan well. “Fine Gael continues to have a strong team in Cavan/Monaghan with Minister Heather Humphreys and Joe O’Reilly TD. The party will run a vigorous campaign,” he said.

Speaking to Northern Sound, Mr Conlan said he had resigned because “individuals at the top” of Fine Gael were not listening to the concerns of people “on the ground”.