Defence Forces must remain outside politics and Connolly has “questions to answer”, says Humphreys
Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has said the Defence Forces must remain outside politics and warned that Independent TD Catherine Connolly has “serious questions to answer” over the hiring of a former Éirígí member in the Oireachtas.
Speaking in Trim, Co Meath today, Ms Humphreys addressed two controversies dominating the campaign.
On a deleted photo showing Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin alongside the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Rossa Mulcahy, and a reported call from a serving UNIFIL officer.
She said: “I just want to recognise first of all that the men and women of our Defence Forces serve us with distinction, and they are outside of politics, and we all recognise that they are not political in any way. I think it’s important that we respect that independence… and we shouldn’t undermine that in any way.”
When asked if the incidents reflected Mr Gavin’s lack of political experience, she replied: “I think you’re going to have to ask Jim those questions.”
Turning to the Oireachtas hiring row, Ms Humphreys said it was a “very serious issue” that Ms Connolly had sought to employ a former Éirígí member without Garda clearance.
“This person was a member of Éirígí — the organisation that tried to dismantle the Good Friday Agreement. My concern here is how come she had access to the Oireachtas without Garda clearance,” she said.
“Everybody knows when you apply for a job, you must be vetted by An Garda Síochána, and you can’t take up that job until vetting is complete."
"Catherine really does need to explain how she [this woman] had access to the Oireachtas for six months.”
Ms Humphreys added: "You can’t employ people, whether as staff or volunteers, until the vetting process is complete.”