The O’Higgins report into complaints by whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe has said any disciplinary proceedings against gardaí implicated “would not be helpful”.

Allegations of wrongdoing, malpractice and corruption in the Gardaí have claimed a third major scalp with Alan Shatter’s dramatic departure.

Republicans urged the British and Irish governments today to come up with a plan of action to get the suspended Northern Ireland Assembly up and running.