Taoiseach says not canvassing in Senator John McGahon's constituency is 'intentional decision'

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he has intentionally not gone canvassing in Senator John McGahon’s constituency of Louth.

Just last week, the Fine Gael leader indicated that he would be willing to canvass with the Senator. Speaking to reporters today, he said: “In relation to the John McGahon situation I have thought long and hard about it because I am understandably being asked about it quite regularly.

“I’ve had to direct my time and attention to areas and candidates who deserve that time.” The Taoiseach said there are only two constituencies in the country that he hasn’t canvassed in, including Louth, where Senator McGahon is running.

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Mr Harris said not canvassing in these areas was “an intentional decision”. Videos of an altercation between Mr McGahon and farmer Breen White during a late-night incident outside a Louth pub started circulating online earlier this month.

Mr White, from Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, sued Mr McGahon for assault and battery outside the Rum House pub in Dundalk, Co Louth, on June 16, 2018. Mr McGahon, who was elected to the Seanad after the incident, denied the claims and said he was assaulted and acted in self-defence.

In July, a High Court civil jury awarded Mr White €39,000 following the alleged assault. It apportioned blame at 65 per cent against Mr McGahon and 35 per cent against Mr White. A separate criminal trial found Mr McGahon not guilty of assault.

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