Harris to 'continue to canvass' for McGahon in Louth

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said he will "continue to canvass" for his party's candidate in County Louth, John McGahon, despite concerns being raised by both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin.

Mr McGahon was found not guilty in a trial in 2022 for physically attacking Breen White outside a County Louth public house, and images of Mr White's injuries were published today in the Sunday Times.

Backing Mr McGahon's candidacy, Mr Harris said that the evidence in the criminal trial included images and CCTV footage but his party colleague had been found not guilty by the jury.

Speaking earlier this morning, the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said: "It does seem that the victim here didn't get the type of response that...one would have thought he should have got. And I think the situation is serious, and I think obviously it's a matter for Fine Gael."

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald characterised what happened outside the pub as "violent" and "brutal", and she asked how Simon Harris could endorse Mr McGahon's candidacy.

However, Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee also said she backed Mr McGahon, saying the matter had been dealt with by the courts and it was noteworthy that he had claimed self-defence.

While Mr McGahon was acquitted in a criminal trial, he was found 65% liable for damages in a subsequent civil trial and the High Court jury ordered Mr McGahon to pay €39,000.

The victim, Breen White, told the Sunday Times today that he was dismayed that Mr McGahon was selected to run for Fine Gael.