Charleton Tribunal: Rumour nearly ruined Maurice McCabe's reputation

If elements in the gardaí were intent on smearing Sgt Maurice McCabe they had something to use as the basis for attacking his character, writes Michael Clifford.

All that smear requires is a rumour, an incident, an allegation that can be twisted and spun to suit the needs of an agenda.

The Charleton Tribunal is tasked with finding out whether this was the case, particularly in 2013 and 2014 when Sgt McCabe was making serious allegations of malpractice in the force.