Judgment ‘may prevent’ sources coming forward

THE Supreme Court judgment that Brendan Howlin was not entitled to protect the identity of his source may prevent whistleblowers coming forward with information about wrongdoing, the Labour Party deputy said yesterday.

A five-judge panel ruled that Mr Howlin must comply with the order of the Morris Tribunal to name the source who passed on to him allegations of garda corruption in Donegal.

The judgment will also allow the tribunal to gain access to Mr Howlin’s telephone records.