FORMER Fianna Fáil minister Pat Carey stepped down as his party's director of elections last night following 'unfounded' speculation over child abuse claims.
The 68-year-old from Co Kerry served as a TD for Dublin North-West from 1997 until he lost his seat in 2011.
Several people have given statements to gardaí claiming that they were abused in the early 1990s, when he was a school teacher in north Dublin.
He served as government chief whip from 2008 before becoming Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2010.
He also served as Minister for Transport, as well as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The former TD was only appointed as Fianna Fáil's director of elections last month.
In a statement issued to RTÉ last night, Mr Carey denied any wrongdoing.
He said although he was aware of recent media speculation, he did not know if he is the former minister said to be at the centre of a Garda investigation into child abuse.
"He absolutely and unconditionally denies any impropriety in this matter or in his 30 years' experience as a teacher, as a community worker and in his public life," a statement read.
It added: "Mr Carey is a respected person and entitled to his good name. However, in order to allow the good work of the organisations that he is involved in to continue without controversy or distraction he will step aside from all such roles to allow any investigation to take place."
A spokesman for Fianna Fáil said it would make a statement on Mr Carey's replacement as director of elections "in due course".
