The head of a committee probing the Votegate scandal has stepped down after she became embroiled in the dodgy voting controversy.
Fine Gael’s Hildegarde Naughton stunned colleagues when she told them she too had voted on behalf of TDs on a number of occasions.
The Galway Deputy’s shock move came as the Oireachtas Committee on Members’ Interests sat for its first meeting into the controversy.
It started with a report in a national newspaper nearly two weeks ago.
Ms Naughton revealed she wanted to step down as chair while the investigation gets under way.
But she indicated she would like to come back again as chair after the probe ends.
This means she will not lose her entitlement to a bonus as head of a committee, which currently gives a TD chair an extra €9,500 a year.
Ms Naughton said: “In light of legal advice received by the Parliamentary Legal Advisor, I wish to announce I have recused myself from the investigation of complaints against four named
Deputies arising out of recent voting irregularity in Dail Eireann.
“I will continue to remain as chair of the Committee on Members Interests but will take no part in this particular investigation.
“While the decision is not made lightly, it is one I am making to ensure the integrity of the process.
“It is vital there is not even the slightest perception of bias in the proceedings of the Committee.
“The Taoiseach, the leader of the Opposition and many other members of Dail Eireann have voted for a colleague while asked to do so while that colleague was in the chamber.
“So have I, on less than a handful of occasions.
“I have never voted for someone who was not present in the chamber.
“The legal advice now received indicates that anyone who voted for a fellow TD while they were both in the chamber would be advised to consider whether the process would be best served by them not adjudicating on these present complaints.
“The present investigation concerns voting for members who were outside the chamber and the two are in no way comparable.
"That is accepted across the political divide, notwithstanding those trying to muddy the waters.
“However, I have made the decision to recuse myself to ensure that no possible perception of bias exists and to ensure that the committee can investigate thismatter without delay and free from challenge.
“Now is the time to do so – prior to the committee commencing its work.
“While the advice I received indicates that any challenge to my role would be unlikely to be successful, I am motivated by an abundance of caution.”
Sinn Fein TD Jonathan O’Brien also stepped down as he said he felt he had a conflict of interest having hit out about the Votegate TDs that includes Fianna Fail’s Timmy Dooley and Niall Collins.
