The Tánaiste is “very disturbed” that Fianna Fáil would sack Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan immediately if the party gains power, dubbing it “profoundly undemocratic”.

Allegations of phone-tapping for political reasons relate back to the early 2000s and are “not relevant to the current period” Enda kenny has told the Dáil.

There can be little doubting the credentials of many of those on the new policing commission.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said he has been treated as "public enemy number one", ahead of a parliamentary confidence vote later tonight.