From day one and with each twist that the controversy brings, the handling of the penalty points issue has always been about saving political neck.

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan is to withdraw his controversial comments describing the actions of two whistle- blowers as “disgusting”, following pressure from Government ministers.

The confidential recipient office to deal with internal complaints within the ranks of the gardaí is likely to be discontinued, according to Justice Minister Alan Shatter, who described the system as “deficient”.