The controversy over the expenses of Senators Ivor Callely and Larry Butler is continuing.
The Taoiseach is refusing to say anything about Ivor Callely as he fears it may prejudice the inquiry into his expenses claims.
And Brian Cowen says he will decide what to do about Larry Butler as soon as an explanation is furnished.
‘Grubby’ was the word from the Labour leader Eamon Gilmore who wants Ivor Callely removed from the Seanad.
While the Fianna Fail partners in Government – the Greens – are on the brink of looking for Ivor Callely’s head on a plate.
Party leader and Environment Minister John Gormley said “It’s very clear that Senator Callely’s position is increasingly untenable”.
It has angered Ministers too, with Batt O’Keefe asking Senator Callely to resign the whip rather than have it removed.
While Noel Dempsey says any misbehaviour will not be tolerated.
With Larry Butler also now in hot water, the Taoiseach is waiting to hear his excuse.
“(As to) whether there’s an issue to be resolved, and we have spoken to him – the point is we took steps proactively when there was speculation around this issue and we are waiting to here from him on that and we are expecting to hear from him very soon” Cowen said.
But across politics many fear that this could just be the start of a tidal wave of controversy around TDs and Senators expenses.
