Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley has rejected suggestions that the party told Pat Carey to step down as director of elections.

Mr Carey resigned from his position late last week after sex abuse allegations against a politician were made public in a national newspaper.

Mr Dooley insisted there was no crisis meeting in Fianna Fáil and no attempt was made by the party to remove Mr Carey from his position.

He said: “Pat Carey sought to issue a statement to RTÉ, he set out his reasons for doing so and things moved on.

“Serious allegations were made and issues were published. My understanding is there is a Garda investigation under way. It was always our view to allow due process to take its course, to avoid comment and allow the gardaí to get on with whatever investigation may be under way.”

Mr Dooley said Mr Carey was chosen as director of elections for the party because he was uniquely qualified for that role.

He was chosen by party leader Micheál Martin because he had the time and energy to do the job well, the Clare TD said.

Mr Carey has “absolutely and unconditionally” denied “any impropriety” following sexual abuse allegations against a politician, and said that he did not know if the allegations related to him.

Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy and Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes questioned how the information came into the public domain.

Speaking on RTÉ radio on Saturday Mr Hayes said the leaks to the media were “utterly wrong” and said the Garda had questions to answer.

He said it was a sign a new low had been reached where everyone was fair game and good names were being tarnished without evidence.

Gardaí are examining how information that officers were investigating sexual abuse allegations made against a former politician have been made public.