Fine Gael senator resigns from parliamentary party following arrest for intoxication

The politician was found drunk and ‘on all fours’ on Dublin’s O’Connell Street last month.

In a statement, the Clare-based Senator said he was arrested on 22 January on O'Connell Street in Dublin "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.

"This was not disclosed to the party."

Mr Conway said: "I would like to apologise unreservedly for this to my family, colleagues, supporters and my nominating body, Vision Ireland. I let myself down. I would also like to apologise to the members of An Garda Síochána 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."

A native of Co Clare, Mr Conway has been a senator since 2011, and is the first visually impaired member of the Oireachtas, having been born with congenital cataracts.

A frequent representative for his party in media appearances, he has also campaigned on disability issues. He was spokesman on justice and equality in the previous Seanad.

The 50-year-old was arrested on O’Connell Street, close to the Gresham Hotel, after he was discovered unable to get up due to his level of intoxication on January 22.

The incident happened just hours before the Dáil was forced to disband after a failed attempt to elect Micheál Martin as Taoiseach amid the row over speaking time for Independent TDs who were supporting the Government.

Gardaí arrested Mr Conway and took him to Store Street garda station. He was later released without charge.