A prominent Irish politician is under investigation for allegedly robbing alcohol from a petrol station, we can reveal.
The politician, who is a former TD, was arrested this year following what gardai say were thefts at a premises in Ireland on November 1 last year and March 14 this year.
The politician, who is well-known and has made national headlines over the years, was questioned by gardai in relation to both incidents - earlier this year.
He was subsequently released and a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, which decides whether there will be any charges made.
It is understood that the alleged incidents of theft were filmed on CCTV, which was handed over to investigating gardai.
It is alleged that the politician entered the store at a petrol station on two separate occasions and stole a quantity of alcohol.
We are not currently identifying the politician - who we made frequent attempts to contact this week via phone calls, text and email.
The man is involved in a major political party, and is still involved in politics despite not being re-elected as a TD.
This week we also called to the politician's home in order to give him an opportunity to comment on the alleged offences.
The politician did not respond to our requests for comment over a period of two days.
In a statement to this paper, gardai confirmed they are investigating the alleged incidents.
They also confirmed the arrest of the man, who we have confirmed is the politician, who still remains active in public life.
A garda spokesperson told us: "Gardaí arrested a male following an incident of theft at a retail premises on 1st November 2020 and 14th March 2021.
"He has since been released without charge with a file being prepared for the DPP."
