FG to discuss future of former Naas mayor

FORMER MAYOR of Naas Darren Scully’s future in Fine Gael is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the party’s national executive today.

Mr Scully resigned as mayor last month and apologised for saying he would no longer represent “black Africans”, but remains a councillor.

Campaigning organisation Residents Against Racism handed a letter into Leinster House yesterday asking Taoiseach Enda Kenny to expel Mr Scully from Fine Gael.

The national executive is likely to refer the issue to Fine Gael’s disciplinary committee, which could look at the matter in the new year, according to a party source.

Residents Against Racism spokeswoman Rosanna Flynn said the group’s letter was brought into Leinster House by Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien, who undertook to try to deliver it to Mr Kenny.

The letter to Mr Kenny said: “We have so far waited in vain for you to personally respond to Councillor Scully’s remarks. An anonymous statement from Fine Gael head office distanced itself from them, but Councillor Scully remains a member of your party.

“If you are at all serious about being a Taoiseach for all the people, you will move immediately to expel Councillor Scully from your party, and you personally will make an unequivocal public statement that such opinions can have no place whatsoever in Irish politics or society.”

Last month, Mr Kenny said he was glad Mr Scully had accepted the remarks were “completely out of touch and at variance with” party standards.

Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin recently signed a formal Garda complaint against Mr Scully. His complaint was prompted by Mr Scully’s remarks on Kildare FM.

In an interview with The Irish Times, Mr Scully admitted to having made "a racist comment" but insisted he was not a racist.