Irish Senator resigns after being arrested for intoxication in Dublin

Martin Conway has resigned as a Fine Gael Senator after being arrested for intoxication in Dublin on January 22.

Conway, from Co Clare, has represented Fine Gael on the Seanad's Administrative Panel since 2011. He is the first elected member of the Oireachtas with a visual impairment.

In a statement issued via the Fine Gael press office yesterday, February 9, Conway said: “In the early hours of Tuesday, January 22nd, I was arrested by An Garda Síochána on O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 for being in an intoxicated state due to consumption of sleeping tablets and alcohol.

"I was detained at Store Street Garda Station and subsequently released without charge a number of hours later."

Conway said he did not disclose the incident to Fine Gael.

He continued: “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."

Fine Gael said it noted Conway's statement, apologies, and his resignation of the party whip.

"The matter is now subject to a party disciplinary process," the party added.

The Sunday Independent reported on February 9, prior to Conway and Fine Gael's statement, that a politician, who the publication did not name, 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 politician, the Sunday Independent said, was found "extremely drunk" and "on all fours."

When contacted for comment by the Sunday Independent, Fine Gael said it was not aware of the arrest.

An Garda Siochana told the Sunday Independent: “Gardaí on patrol in the O’Connell Street area had an interaction with a male in the early hours of January 22, 2025.

"Any interaction with An Garda Síochána has fully concluded.

"An Garda Síochána is not providing any further details.”