Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher has said that he is concerned about the announcement that the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has both been in discussions with a political party to run as a candidate in June’s European Election and crucially that they will remain in office for the next two months.

The Ireland South MEP added, “Citizens getting involved in the democratic process is to be welcomed. However, this is not why I am concerned.

“It is a core principle of our public service that senior personnel engage in no political work. In the course of their duties, they must act in a manner where no person could raise any issues about their political intentions.

“I believe that sadly this principle has been ignored in two instances by the IHREC and its Chief Commissioner. First, it is highly likely that Ms. Gibney has been engaging in negotiations with a political party about standing for election while holding her current role. Secondly, the Commission has announced that it has decided to allow her to remain in her office for the next two months.

“The Commission engages in a lot of highly sensitive work which relies on public and political acceptance of its absolute impartiality. In addition, it is a regular participant in political matters and discussions, – for example, it is currently suing the Government in relation to refugee accommodation.

“This is, in my opinion, completely incompatible with allowing the Chief Commissioner to engage in overtly party-political activity, especially the seeking of a nomination to stand for election.

“Furthermore, I think it is unacceptable that the Commission has said that it would basically stay quiet and make no further comment on this matter. I am calling for an immediate statement from Ms. Gibney and the IHREC to answer the following questions:

• How long has the Chief Commissioner been in discussions with a political party about seeking a nomination to contest the election?
• Was the Commission aware of the Chief Commissioner’s negotiations with a political party before her letter of resignation today?
• Does the Commission believe that the Chief Commission can remain independent and impartial over the two next months while she is a party political candidate seeking election?

“As I said at the outset, citizens getting involved in the democratic process is a good thing. However, when certain citizens take up appointments in the public service, there comes with those roles certain requirements and responsibilities. It is clear to me that the lines have been blurred in this matter,” concluded Kelleher.