A Fianna Fáil Dublin city councillor has criticised the publication of photographs taken of him at a private party, which appeared in two newspapers this weekend.
Liam Kelly said the photographs, taken by a mobile telephone, were used to try and blackmail him through the false suggestion that they showed him taking drugs.
A spokesman for Fianna Fail said last night that the party was "keeping the matter under continuing review".
"Fianna Fail consider the use and abuse of illegal drugs as a very serious matter. The party is aware of the coverage in today's newspapers regarding Cllr Liam Kelly. We note the statement Cllr Kelly has made and we understand the Garda Síochána is investigating the matter. Fianna Fail is keeping the matter under continuing review."
In a statement yesterday Mr Kelly vehemently denied taking drugs and said the photographs had been staged by individuals who had then tried to extort money from him. "I quite rightly refused and reported the matter to the gardaí," he said.
"This extortion attempt is now the subject of a criminal investigation, something which refrains me from commenting on this matter any further in case that process becomes damaged."
The councillor, based in Glasnevin, said he regretted "the hurt that the media coverage has brought to my constituents, family, friends and party".
He said the appearance of photographs in newspapers taken by a mobile telephone raised questions over privacy, given their proliferation in recent years.
"It's offensive that people can take these photographs in private places and then use them in this way, " he said. The issue should be examined in the context of the forthcoming privacy legislation, Mr Kelly added.