Major boost for Mayo TD's hopes of returning to Cabinet

A return to the Cabinet by Mayo Fianna Fáil TD has been given a boost by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

The FF party leader told RTÉ News the door is always open and "there is always a way back for a person in the calibre of Dara Calleary."

The Ballina-based TD resigned as Minister for Agriculture in August 2020 following a controversial Oireachtas Golf Society event in Clifden during Covid restrictions.

He had only been a number of weeks in the role.

Deputy Martin said the Mayo TD had paid a heavy price and was "very dignified" in resigning from Cabinet when news broke of the event and his actions ensured "the continued trust" from the public in the government's handling of Covid-19.

Calls have been issued today for Deputy Calleary to be reinstated as a senior minister after a District Court Judge dismissed charges against the organisers of the Clifden event of breaches of Covid guidelines.