Under fire Fine Gael candidate John McGahon breaks silence in new election letter

Fine Gael election candidate John McGahon has broken his silence and issued leaflets to homes in Louth asking them for support.

The letter, seen by the Irish Mirror, says that the Senator “loves his community” and that if it is “not possible” for voters to give them their number one vote, he would like them to consider giving him their “highest transfer”.

Videos of an altercation between Mr McGahon and farmer Breen White during a late-night altercation outside a Louth pub started circulating online earlier this month.

READ MORE: Taoiseach Simon Harris 'not sure' if he will canvass with under fire John McGahon

READ MORE: Paschal Donohoe compares Simon Harris to Coleen Rooney as he confesses to new guilty pleasure

Mr White, from Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, sued Mr McGahon for assault and battery outside the Rum House pub in Dundalk, Co Louth, on June 16, 2018. Mr McGahon, who was elected to the Seanad after the incident, denied the claims and said he was assaulted and acted in self-defence.

In July, a High Court civil jury awarded Mr White €39,000 following the alleged assault. It apportioned blame at 65 per cent against Mr McGahon and 35 per cent against Mr White. A separate criminal trial found Mr McGahon not guilty of assault.

In the new letter sent to households in Louth, Mr McGahon said that “Ireland stands at a crucial moment”.

“The choices we make now will shape the future of our country, for our children, our families and our businesses,” he wrote.

“Since I was first elected as a councillor back in 2014, I have worked my heart out for county Louth. I love our county. It’s my home and I am very proud of the work we have achieved here.

“Helping people is the most rewarding part of my job, and it has been a privilege to do that over the past 10 years as a councillor and then a senator.

"But now, at this crucial election, our community needs a TD who will champion it, both at home in Louth and nationally in Dáil Éireann. I hope you can see how much I love our community and how hard I work for it.

“That’s why I am looking for your number one vote. If that is not possible, please consider me for your highest transfer.

“The coming election is going to be really close, so please make sure to vote.”

The letter has the Fine Gael logo in the bottom right corner.

Elsewhere, Taoiseach Simon Harris said on Wednesday that he did not know if he would canvass with Mr McGahon in Louth.

“I’m not sure, is the honest answer,” he said.

“John McGahon is a duly selected Fine Gael candidate. He's on the ticket, as is councillor Paula Butterly. It's up to the people of Louth to decide if they wish to vote Fine Gael, which candidate to support.

“I've made it very clear my view in relation to violence. I’d need to reflect on that so I'm not sure.

“No [I wouldn’t ask him to leave if he showed up]. We’re not in that space at all.

“But whether I do or don't get to canvass with Senator McGahon is a matter I'm not yet decided on.”

Mr Harris said that he will continue to canvass on Thursday and until 10pm on Friday when the voting closes.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this linkto receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.