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Former EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan “has no intention” to return to national and international politics after criticizing the government for subjecting him to “a full-scale attack” in the wake of Golfgate.
Mr. Hogan resigned from his position two weeks ago, following his involvement in the infamous Golfgate incident in Clifden, Co Galway last month.
Hogan repeatedly apologized for his participation for attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner on August 19, when the political crisis engulfed the three-party government.
It emerged that several prominent figures, including a government minister, senators, and a Supreme Court judge, violated official Covid-19 rules.
Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary resigned after it emerged that she had attended the dinner for 82 people in violation of regulations. The dinner was also attended by Senator Jerry Buttimer, Seanad vice president who also resigned.
An investigation into the attendance of Supreme Court magistrate and former attorney general Séamus Wolfe continues, while Gardai is also investigating the holding of the event.
In a statement to his local newspaper, Kilkenny People, Mr. Hogan reiterated that he “did not violate any laws” and was the subject of “a large-scale attack” by the government.
“The government had a large-scale attack on my compliance or not,” Mr. Hogan said, adding that “I had no choice but to resign due to enormous pressure from the Taoiseach (Micheál Martin, the Tanáiste (Leo Varadkar) and the media “.
Due to the process
The Taoiseach and Tanáiste asked the then-EU commissioner to consider their position in light of their attendance at the dinner and subsequent revelations about their travel arrangements.
“I did not get due process, unlike others. I am very disappointed that there is a lot of effort focused on my resignation. I always feel that the Irish expect due process in the right forum. I did not understand that. They didn’t give me that opportunity. “
The former commissioner, who also held the ministerial portfolios of Agriculture and Environment in the past, said that his apology for the mistakes he made during his visit is sincere but stressed that the Covid regulation is not compatible with the work of MEPs.
“The regulations that currently exist are not compatible with the work that MEPs do,” he said.
Since his high-profile resignation, the government led by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party are calling for the 14-day quarantine requirement to be lifted for MEPs who receive a negative coronavirus test before leaving Brussels.
He added: “My life in public service after 38 years has come to an end. I’m going to take some time to reflect on what to do next.
“I worked closely to reduce the impact of Brexit on business and employment. It will be a challenge in the future and will require a lot of vigilance from the Irish government. “
Hogan plans to continue his base in Brussels as he continues to contemplate his future.
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