Ugly lies about the man telling the truth

The selective leaking of the O’Higgins report and the attempt to sully the character of Garda Maurice McCabe are typical examples of whistleblower reprisal, a backlash against the character, reputation, and livelihood of those who speak out, says Tom Clonan

GILBERT and Sullivan’s song, ‘A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One’, subtitled ‘Slave to Duty’, sums up the experience of garda whistleblower, Sgt Maurice McCabe.

The selective leaking and publication of the O’Higgins Commission of Investigation has evolved into a tragi-comic opera in the last fortnight. The attempt by members of An Garda Síochána, and others in political and media circles, to destroy the reputation and character of McCabe has become obvious.