Senator chooses radio phone-in to reveal drug threat to relatives

A FINE Gael senator in the Taoiseach's constituency, Mr John Farrelly, employed a circuitous route to disclose that his parents in law were run out of their home by drug pushers some years ago.

The revelation took place on a phone in on crime, hosted by Chris Barry, on Radio 104FM late on Tuesday night.

Ms Mary Harney, leader of the Progressive Democrats, who was a guest on the programme, said crime had got out of hand under this Government.

Responding to Ms Harney, a caller, identified as "John" pointed out that all the crime did not start just 18 months ago.

He said his parents in law had been run out of their home by drug pushers while Fianna Fail and the PDs were in government.

Ms Harney then asked. "John, are you a member of the Oireachtas?"

"Yes," replied John.

"Would you be Senator John Farrelly?"

"Yes."

Senator Farrelly told The Irish Times he had not gone on the programme anonymously to stand up for the Government.

He informed the switchboard operator of his full name, he said, though he used "John" only on air.

Reluctant to explain the threats to his parents in law, Senator Farrelly said they had lived beside drug pushers and their house had been broken into some years ago. They had subsequently left the area.

Senator Farrelly refused to say whether his parents in law lived in his Meath constituency or elsewhere.