Ireland's first visually impaired politician resigns after drunk arrest
The first visually impaired politician to serve in Ireland's parliament has resigned from his party after being arrested while drunk on a Dublin street.
Just days after being re-elected to the Seanad (Senate), Martin Conway admitted that he was arrested in the early hours of 22 January "for being in an intoxicated state due to consumption of sleeping tablets and alcohol".
He said: "I was detained at Store Street Garda Station and subsequently released without charge a number of hours later."
The 50-year-old member of the Seanad (the upper house) admitted that he did not inform his party of the arrest.
Senator Conway was a member of Fine Gael, led by the current deputy prime minister Simon Harris.
In a statement, the senator said he "would like to apologise unreservedly for this to my family, colleagues, supporters and my nominating body, Vision Ireland".
He added: "I let myself down. I would also like to apologise to the members of An Garda Síochána [Irish police] for having to deal with this matter.
"I have resigned from the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party. I understand that a disciplinary process will now commence."
Fine Gael said it "notes" the senator's "statement, apologies and his resignation of the party whip", and confirmed the matter is now subject to a party disciplinary process.
Senator Conway, from Co Clare, was born with congenital cataracts.
He has been a board member of the charity Vision Ireland since 2013. The organisation has been approached for comment.
His arrest took place just hours before the Dail (lower house of the parliament) met to confirm Micheal Martin as the new taoiseach, or prime minister.
Chaotic scenes in the chamber over speaking rights led to that process being postponed until the following day.
New senators were elected or nominated in an election in January. Just six days ago, Senator Conway said he was "absolutely delighted" to be re-elected and thanked his supporters.
The Seanad consists of 60 members, who are elected to five vocational panels, from two university constituencies or nominated by the taoiseach.
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Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Gavin Robinson rejects loyalism claim while residents urged to leave homes ahead of planned protest
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It has the danger of spreading, it has the danger of risking life, we already have a situation where it is definitely risking property, people are vulnerable and people are under attack and they are having to seek refuge, it needs to stop. "Whether you think it is useful to have this conversation is one thing, what I am saying is that I will speak over what I know and what I know is that the police have indicated that they cannot stand over the view that there is paramilitary involvement and they do not see there is paramilitary involvement and there is continual quest to put labels on things which aren't necessarily going to help." Today 01:22 PM Downing Street condemned the 'disgraceful' attack on the leisure centre in Larne A No 10 spokesman said: 'As the Prime Minister said yesterday, he utterly condemns the ongoing violence seen in parts of Northern Ireland. The PSNI have our full support in continuing to restore order, to keep the peace and keep people safe. 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'We are a multicultural world, and this is a regressive, sort of backward approach, that level of hostility that we haven't experienced for some time. 'We will support the PSNI and support all right-thinking people in both condemning the violence, but also doing everything we possibly can to bring calm back to the situation.' Today 01:17 PM Olympic swimmer Conor Ferguson 'sad to see club pool destroyed by thugs' Larne Leisure Centre was the target of an attack on Wednesday night. Posting on social media platform X, the Larne Swimming Club member said: "Really sad to see my home club pool being destroyed by thugs. Even more upsetting to hear this was happening during children's swimming lessons. "Acts like this don't just damage property, they damage NI communities. "Sending support to all those affected." 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Today 12:58 PM Council assessing 'significant damage' caused to Larne Leisure Centre A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: 'Council is currently assessing the significant damage caused to Larne Leisure Centre following last night's events. "Our priority is to ensure the safety of all residents and staff, and to restore the leisure centre to full operation. At present, the centre remains closed. "We would urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the police on 101.' Today 12:40 PM Three teenagers appear in court Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with rioting offences following the recent violence in Ballymena. A district judge in the town's magistrates' court said a strong message had to be sent out that those involved in the disorder would be dealt with 'robustly' by the court. Judge warns those involved in Ballymena disorder will be dealt with 'robustly' as three teenagers appear in court Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with rioting offences following recent violence in Ballymena. Today 12:23 PM 'It was a miracle that nobody was seriously injured or killed last night' Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly was at Larne Leisure Centre when it was attacked on Wednesday evening. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph he said "we need to bring calm to our streets". Housing Association advises residents to leave homes ahead of planned protest Arbour Housing in Portadown sent a letter to its residents saying that a demonstration planned for Thursday is "directed towards migrants, foreign nationals, and what are perceived as deviant behaviour". The BBC has reported that letter added that the demonstration could lead to an "unsafe situation" and advised them to "stay with family or friends during the protest". 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'My heart goes out to all the newcomer and ethnic minority families who will not doubt be feeling fearful at this time. I want to reassure them the vast majority of people in our community are decent, inclusive and welcoming. 'I appeal to anyone looking at social media posts concerning planned protests to avoid them, and to those attempting to organise such protests, I urge to think again – remember there is a young girl at the heart of this situation and please don't use her trauma and pain as an excuse to cause trouble locally.' Today 11:15 AM MP urges those involved in planned Portadown protest to remain 'calm and respectful' MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has said "legitimate concerns" must be "expressed within the boundaries of the law". 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Let's keep listening. As we have done so many times before, let's lead with compassion, stand up for one another and show the strength of our community through our support - for every child and every family that calls this centre a home. Time to rebuild." Today 09:50 AM Footage appears to show a man with a hatchet during the third night of rioting in Ballymena. In a statement the PSNI said that petrol bombs, a hatchet, masonry and fireworks were among items thrown at officers. Today 09:22 AM Three nights of unrest 'not what Northern Ireland is about' – Benn Hilary Benn described scenes as 'shocking' after Wednesday saw a third consecutive night of unrest. Mr Benn said there is 'absolutely no justification for civil disorder'. He told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme: 'This not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see. 'We all, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to seek to calm things down, to support those in the community trying to keep people safe, principally the PSNI, to work with community leaders to lower tensions. 'Whatever views people hold, there is no justification for trying to burn people out of their homes, that is what is going on, and that is what needs to stop because it is shocking and damaging, and it reflects very badly of the image of Northern Ireland that we all want to send to the rest of the world.' Today 09:13 AM PSNI appeals ' for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions' Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: 'Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder. 'This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable. 'What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services. 'Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry. 'A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers – and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe. 'We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. 'We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday's disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.' Today 09:08 AM Six arrested and nine officers injured during third consecutive night of violence across Northern Ireland In a statement the PSNI said that petrol bombs, a hatchet, masonry and fireworks were among items thrown at officers in Ballymena. Unrest also broke out in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Coleraine. Protests in the Antrim and Lisburn areas passed without incident, while protests in Belfast "were also mainly peaceful". Two men aged in their 20s and one in their 30s, and two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences. A teenager was also arrested in the Newtownabbey area in connection with disorder in the Station Road area. A spokesperson for the PSNI said:" In Larne, officers responded to a report the local leisure centre had been set alight in a shameful arson attack. "Shockingly, people were inside the building at the time of this fire – thankfully no injuries were reported – and we could have been looking at a completely different situation. "Our enquiries remain ongoing today in relation to the circumstances surrounding the fire. "In the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus some masked protestors blocked local roads." They added: "In Coleraine, police received reports that a bus had been attacked, and was prevented from entering the train station. "A number of bins were also set alight on train tracks at the station - and petrol bombs were also thrown at officers – trains and bus services were also cancelled. "We are also investigating a fire to nearby business premises and a subsequent report that a number of young people broke into a local tyre business and added tyres to fire. "In Belfast, our officers dealt with a number of protests across the city – these were also mainly peaceful – travel was disrupted within the city for a short period of time in the Shankill and Shore Road areas. "As a result of a significant policing operation calm was restored to all areas at around 1am this morning." Today 08:28 AM Three teens charged following disorder in Ballymena The PSNI have confirmed that the arrests are in connection with disorder that broke out in the area on Tuesday, June 10. One man, aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, have been charged with riot. The 15-year-old has also been charged with criminal damage. They are expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court today. Two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries. Today 08:15 AM Justice minister says those rioting 'should be afraid because police will make arrests' 'Those people who have been showing their faces in the camera and think that they are empowered when they are part of a mob may not feel so brave when they get a knock on the door from the local police to arrest them for charges of riotous behaviour,' she said on BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Thursday Morning. When asked how she would respond to those who say they are not afraid, Ms Long said they 'should be'. She said: 'Well they should be, they should be afraid, because the police will make arrests, they have already done so over the past number of days, and I would expect that, as with the riotous behaviour last year, that a robust approach will be taken when it comes to dealing with those engaged with this sort of destructive racism and hate and violence on our streets.' 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The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Airbnb faces legal action over listings in illegal Israeli settlements
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Wales Online
9 hours ago
- Wales Online
Violence erupts for third night in UK town as rioters set leisure centre on fire
Violence erupts for third night in UK town as rioters set leisure centre on fire Homes have been evacuated and a leisure centre housing migrants has been set alight A third night of civil unrest has unfolded in Ballymena, NI (Image: Getty Images ) A third night of violence has ensued in a UK town in what has been described as "anti-immigration riots." Videos circulating online show a number of projectiles being launched at police in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, including petrol bombs and fireworks in another night of rioting which has seen violence, arrests and a number of people injured. The riots began on Monday after two teenage boys appeared in court accused of attempted rape. They had confirmed their names and ages through a Romanian interpreter and denied the charges against them. By Monday afternoon, a social media post advertising a planned protest at 7.30pm that evening had been widely circulated and despite it being planned as peaceful, violent attacks were launched on places known to house migrants. Since then there have been three nights of violence and vandalism with people reportedly afraid to leave their homes, multiple arrests and dozens of police officers injured. On Wednesday masked youths attacked Larne Leisure Centre by smashing windows and setting fires. They are believed to have targeted the building after social media posts had suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there. Article continues below It is understood that there was no one inside the Leisure Centre during the attack. Emergency services created blockades with vehicles and a water cannon was also used in an effort to disperse the crowds that gathered close to Clonavon Terrace. Police used water jets to disperse the crowds (Image: Getty Images ) DUP politician Gordon Lyons posted a message to Facebook on Wednesday: "A number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Lesiure Centre... following disturbances in Ballymena. "It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne. "Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful." The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the 'mindless attacks which has been described by senior police officers as "racist thuggery." Article continues below Some Ballymena residents have put British and Irish flags in their windows so that their homes are not targeted. Many locals have said they are too afraid to leave their homes.
