The Government deputy chief whip Billy Kelleher has apologised after being fined and receiving two penalty points for speeding on the Cashel bypass in Co Tipperary.
Mr Kelleher was stopped by a garda on the bypass as he drove from his home in Cork to Dublin on January 31st. He said yesterday he was driving at close to 130 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. He received the standard €80 fine and two penalty points were put on his licence.
"It is regrettable. It shouldn't have happened - I accept responsibility and I apologise for it," he said yesterday. "In a context where we are trying to highlight the need for road safety, it is not a good example for a public representative to set.
"If the publicity means that some people learn from my experience and slow down, then maybe something good will come of it."
Mr Kelleher said he was caught speeding once before, about 14 years ago. While the incident is embarrassing for the Government at a time when it is making high profile efforts to increase road safety, no political repercussions are expected.