Former Clare TD Dr. Michael Harty has admitted that he has let people in this county down and breached their trust.
The Kilmihil GP has made his first public comments since acknowledging that he attended the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Galway last week.
It comes amid mounting pressure for EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan to resign, in the wake of the Golfgate controversy.
Dr Harty has apologised unreservedly for attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Cliften last week, saying he understands people’s anger.
He admits the event should never have gone ahead, but on Clare FM’s Morning Focus today he appealed to people to not just judge him on this one mistake.
He told the programme that the consequences of attending the event amount to a blow to him personally and professionally, but he also insisted that his actions haven’t put his patients at risk.
The event has already claimed a number of political casualties, chief amongst them Dara Calleary who resigned as Agriculture Minister on Friday.
But while the future of European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan is firmly in the spotlight, he remains on for now.
Mr. Hogan, who was also found to have been cautioned by Gardai for using his mobile phone while driving in Kildare last week, has apologised for his attendance and submitted a detailed report on his actions.
However, Commission President Ursula von der Leyden is seeking further clarifications.
European Commission Spokesperson Dana Spinant says its important more detail is provided.
At home, Mr Hogan faces calls to resign, including from Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien .
But his party leader, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, says the responsibility lies with the President of the European Commission.
However, he says there needs to be a comprehensive statement from Commissioner Hogan.
