Former Fianna Fáil minister of state Ivor Callely, who was forced to quit his ministerial post last December, has told constituents that "a concerted campaign" had existed to destroy him.
In a letter to constituents, sent in taxpayer-paid official Oireachtas envelopes, the Dublin North Central TD wrote: "As you are aware, the close of 2005 was a particularly difficult period for me and my family.
"We have come through what, in effect, was a concerted campaign against me. Whilst I am still hurting from events, the tremendous support from friends and well-wishers has sustained me and encouraged me to fight another day. I pledge to continue my efforts on behalf of my constituents."
Mr Callely is facing a particularly tough re-election battle, faced with competition from fellow Fianna Fáil TD Seán Haughey, Fine Gael deputy leader Richard Bruton and Independent TD Finian McGrath in a constituency that has been cut from a four-seater to a three-seater.
His ministerial career in the Department of Transport came to an end after it was shown that a building firm had paid for painting work at Mr Callely's home while he was a member of the Eastern Health Board in the early 1990s.
The controversy, and his resistance to efforts to get him to go quietly, overshadowed the Government's budget last December, to the fury of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
In a plea to constituents for support, Mr Callely said he "would really appreciate your help and support".
