An accusation has been lodged with the security team at the European Parliament concerning Hermann Kelly, the leader of the Irish Freedom Party, after a supposed squabble that involved him and a journalist last month. The European Conservative publication’s Brussels-based journalist, Thomas O’Reilly, alleges that Kelly, who heads the right-wing Euro-skeptic party, knocked his phone out of his hand during the disagreement.
Currently, authorities are scrutinising a complaint made by O’Reilly. As noted in the complaint, an alleged verbal clash unfolded as O’Reilly was exiting the parliament building in early March and was ambushed by Kelly; this led to Kelly challenging him to a brawl. It’s further alleged in the complaint that when O’Reilly tried to document the incident with his phone, Kelly slapped it out of his hand, before promptly departing from the scene.
Immediately after the supposed incident occurred, a written complaint was presented to the parliament’s security personnel.
Kelly, former press officer for ex-UKIP leader Nigel Farage in Brussels, presently serves as the communication director for Cristian Terhes, a right-wing MEP from Romania. For the forthcoming European elections in June, Kelly is on the ballot for the Irish Freedom Party in the Midlands-North-West electorate.
A parliament representative stated the institution “does not provide commentary on individual cases or possible investigations”. Nonetheless, it’s inferred that an examination of the complaint levelled at Kelly is currently underway.
Kelly responded to this by maintaining he has not been alerted of any inquiry regarding the alleged incident by parliament. He also emphasised his flawless professional and behavioural record during his 15-year tenure in the European Parliament. According to Kelly, there is “no proof” that the altercation, as explained in the complaint, transpired. He claims, “The accusation is entirely unfounded and the only person generating a tumult was Thomas O’Reilly, who was the only one to elevate his voice and wave his arms”.
Though O’Reilly refrained from making any statements, it is understood he supports the specifics of the altercation as mentioned in his formal complaint.