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Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer has said he is “embarrassed” and “mortified” after attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Galway and wishes he could go back 15 days on the clock.
In an interview on Neil Prendeville’s show on Cork’s Red FM, Senator Buttimer expressed regret over his failings and shortcomings in attending the dinner.
He said he was asking for forgiveness for his wrongdoing.
“I am an ordinary person. I am apologizing this morning. What it does show is that we must all continue without being complacent. Do not lower your guard against this pandemic.
“Unfortunately I made a mistake. I am deeply sorry. I wish I could stop the clock and start it again for 15 days because it has been a huge learning (curve) for me. I am asking the people of Cork for a chance to make amends.” .
Senator Buttimer resigned from his role as Leas Cathaoirleach from the Seanad in the wake of the controversy surrounding the Galway dinner. She also lost the Party Whip.
Golf dinner attendees faced a storm of criticism as public health guidance discouraged large gatherings to help slow the spread of Covid 19.
Senator Buttimer said he was “mortified” by his behavior and apologized to front-line workers, the family of those who lost loved ones in the pandemic, and people who contracted the virus.
“I disappointed people. I committed the work of all those people who had done so much and the collective sacrifice of the people by attending the event. I am aware of the responsibility that has been placed on me and aware that I disappointed people. It is important for me to hear the anger of the public. My words are sincere. ”
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He said he was on vacation in the west of Ireland when dinner took place. He admitted that he showed a “false sense of security” and “complacency” in attending.
“I was on vacation in the west of Ireland and I threw the golf clubs in the back of the car. I got to the club at 2pm and played golf.
“There was no malice or intent to cause harm. I asked the organizers and the hotel owner on Tuesday night about the event and they assured me it was Covid compliant. But I made the decision to go, so it’s up to me. I don’t know. They’ve gone, I’m sincerely sorry to be there.
“It was an act of complacency, a lack of focus on my part. I definitely did not comply with the regulations and I am sorry now.”
“I had (known that the guidelines had changed). If I’m honest, I was probably too willing to accept assurances that I was within the guidelines. But it was my responsibility.”
He stressed that his decision to resign was voluntary and that he was not pushed by party leader Leo Vardakar.
“On Thursday night I spoke with Leo Varadkar but (already) he had made a decision that he was going to resign. I called him. The conversation centered on what we are talking about right now. I woke up that Friday morning and knew that I was going to resign. ”
“There was no conversation about that. I knew I was going to quit. I didn’t live up to people’s expectations. I know people who have made great sacrifices (during the pandemic).
“There was a breach of trust on my part and I made the decision on Thursday night that I was going to resign. It was my fault and my fault.”
Senator Buttimer has been in isolation for the past two weeks. He said that “no words” could convey his pain.
“I’m sorry I disappointed people. I have not been hiding from people. I am asking the people of Cork to allow me to make amends. I have received text messages and letters from people and people are understandably angry. It’s a learning experience for me Now I am apologizing for my mistake.
“Never in my life did I seek to be different, I am an ordinary person. I never acted as if I had a privilege. I wish I could stop the clock and go back 15 days.”
He denied that his decision to speak publicly was in any way related to a possible by-election if Foreign Minister Simon Coveney secures the role of the EU Commission.
“To be honest, (a by-election) is the furthest thing from my mind. I want to rebuild the relationship and trust that I had with people. I will continue to work to rebuild that trust with people. I’m not looking at a by-election at all.” .
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