Patten, Hayes should review Garda Síochána, says Labour

RUC reformers Chris Patten and Maurice Hayes should be recruited to review An Garda Síochána and devise an alternative to the proposed Garda Ombudsman, the Labour party said yesterday.

Justice spokesman Joe Costello said that, following the devastating Morris Tribunal report, Justice Minister Michael McDowell should scrap legislation setting up the Garda Ombudsman.

"At this stage, the minister should jettison the Garda Bill. On foot of Morris, it's not adequate. Morris shows the problems in the force are more fundamental."