In a surprising turn of events, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has issued a public apology to former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, following a social media post that incorrectly linked the two. The post, which was published on January 31st, included an image suggesting a meeting between Shatter and Jeffrey Epstein, a controversial figure known for his involvement in a sex trafficking scandal.
Gannon's statement, released on Friday, February 13th, 2026, acknowledged the mistake and the harm caused. He explained that the post was based on an image from the Epstein files, which was mistakenly used to imply a meeting between Shatter and Epstein. However, Gannon clarified that the depicted event was actually an official government engagement between Shatter and then-attorney general Eric Holder in Dublin on September 21st, 2011.
Despite deleting the post, a screenshot continued to circulate on social media, leading to Shatter being wrongly targeted and subjected to antisemitic abuse. In his statement, Gannon expressed regret for the damage and hurt caused, and Shatter himself expressed relief that the matter was resolved.
This incident raises important questions about the responsibility of social media users and the potential consequences of sharing misinformation. It also highlights the importance of fact-checking and the impact that a single post can have on an individual's reputation. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further action will be taken, and the public awaits further updates on this developing story.
