The council started an investigation in to the embattled Kilmacrennan representative days after he made certain claims while being secretly filmed by the RTE Investigates programme last December. 

 

In it, Cllr O’Donnell also appeared to ask for money from an undercover reporter in return for helping a fictitious company develop a wind farm in Donegal.

He did not return calls yesterday (Thursday), however, he has always maintained his innocence and accused the national broadcaster of “deception” and “tricking” him.

 

A spokesperson for the programme rubbished Cllr O’Donnell’s claims that he was deceived.

 

Shortly after the programme was broadcast, the council issued a statement saying it would examine all issues raised by the Councillor as a matter of “urgency and priority”.

 

When contacted this week, the council confirmed to the Donegal News it had referred ‘the matter’ on to SIPO.

 

A spokesperson for the State ethics watchdog told this paper yesterday that it does not comment on individual cases.