THE GOVERNMENT CHIEF WHIP has responded to reports that Ivor Callely was invited to travel to the US as an election observer by saying that the senator will not be travelling.

Callely was suspended from the Seanad following investigations into his expenses claims. His suspension is to due end in mid-November.

Earlier today, a government spokesperson said that Callely’s suspension did not preclude him from travelling to the US for the mid-term elections in early November.

However, the chief whip’s office says this evening that Callely is no longer on the committee which is travelling to the US, and the decision to remove him was taken in June.

Only last month, Callely wrote to Oireachtas officials saying that he had been invited to attend the US trip. He also said he was invited to the Bosnia Herzegovina elections in October.

Callely has not commented on today’s revelations regarding the US trip.

Making a difference

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.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Callely trip for US elections off the cards

Making a difference

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.