Former minister for defence Willie O'Dea has claimed he has been a victim of a campaign by certain elements of the media to "blacken" his name.
Mr O’Dea resigned last Thursday amid controversy over an affidavit submitted to the High Court in April last year in which he “categorically and emphatically” denied claiming in an interview with a Limerick journalist that Sinn Féin councillor Maurice Quinlivan had a connection with a brothel.
In December, Mr O’Dea withdrew his denial of having made the statement about Mr Quinlivan and agreed to pay the Sinn Féin councillor damages plus his legal costs.
In an interview with the Limerick Post newspaper, published today, Mr O'Dea said elements in the media did not like him and the episode had taken a terrible toll on his family.
"Elements of the media don’t like me . . . I did become disillusioned that the criticism became so savage. It’s like they want to blacken your character and still keep kicking you - it’s extraordinary," he was quoted as saying.
“In the scale of things, there were worse things I could have done - but I did pass on gossip that I had not checked out properly," he added.
"But I think the punishment is a bit harsh - I’ve paid out big money, lost my job, my name has been rubbished in some elements of the media and the toll on my wife and family is terrible. My mother is 85 and I know how hard this is for her."
When asked if he would consider a career outside politics, the Limerick TD said he has already been offered senior positions with two companies.
“Yes, that’s possible and since resigning as Minister for Defence, I’ve already had an offer of two directorships", he said, adding that his relationship with Taoiseach Brian Cowen remained strong. “I’m still friendly with Brian - he had no other course, but I know he was not happy about me having to resign."
The former minister said he was "heartened and encouraged" by the level of support he has received from the people of Limerick.
"Yes, I can take pride in that and always, rather than mixing with the rich and powerful I’ve preferred to fraternise with the poor and those who need help. I’ve been heartened and encouraged by the huge amount of support I’ve received from the people of Limerick - I’ve been inundated with text messages, phone calls etc, telling me they want me to recover from this ordeal and go forward.”