'What about all the druggies?' - Offaly Fine Gael councillor slams arrest of drunk senator

Offaly County Councillor Noel Cribbin has hit out at An Garda Síochána for arresting former party colleague, Senator Martin Conway "over having a few jars."

The Edenderry-based Fine Gael councillor posted a comment under an Irish Times article on Facebook which detailed the senator's arrest and subsequent resignation from Fine Gael.

In his comment, which was posted from the councillor's official Facebook account, Cllr Cribbin said: "Yes, it's a sad day when you have to resign over having a few jars, what about all the druggies hanging around doing harm, garda would be better off chasing them.

"Martin has a bad sight problem which is plain to be seen, garda could have helped him back to his hotel rather that Store St station, Martin is a great worker and a genuine nice person," he added.

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Cribbin's comment was met with some criticism from a member of the public as one person replied: "Cllr Noel Cribbin, I'm shocked at your comments regarding drug addicts. Addiction is not easy on addicts, their families or their community. You seem to have no understanding of drug addiction but seem to excuse alcohol addiction."

The Offaly Express contacted Cllr Noel Cribbin for clarification of his comment but he declined to speak on the record regarding said comment.