Taoiseach and Tánaiste express confidence in John Perry

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore have expressed full confidence in beleaguered Minister of State John Perry despite calls for his resignation over a Court judgment against him on debts of almost €2.5 million.

The Taoiseach’s spokesman said last night Mr Kenny’s confidence was “not qualified” in any way in relation to Mr Perry’s ability to continue as Minister of State for Small Business. The Tánaiste’s spokesman also said Mr Perry was “under no pressure” from Mr Gilmore or the Labour Party in relation to his position.

Opposition parties asserted there was a prima facie conflict of interest between Mr Perry’s interactions with the banks as Minister, and his dealing with the same banks in terms of his personal indebtedness. Opposition parties yesterday amplified their criticisms of the Sligo deputy, calling on him to consider his position .

Fianna Fáil finance spokesman Michael McGrath called on him to clarify whether or not he used his ministerial position as “leverage” when dealing with AIB and Bank of Ireland in terms of his personal financial difficulties.

Mr Kenny’s spokseman did add that the case in the Commercial Court between Mr Perry and Danske Bank had to be allowed to take its course.