Public inquiry into Bailey claims against gardaí not appropriate: McDowell

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell emphasised yesterday he was not in favour of holding a public inquiry into allegations made by Ian Bailey against gardaí, during an investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The journalist, a self-confessed suspect in the 10-year investigation, claims he was victimised by gardaí.

The minister pointed out that as the garda investigation into the death of the French woman in West Cork was still active, a public inquiry was not appropriate.

Mr McDowell ordered a current inquiry after he received complaints from Mr Bailey. The inquiry, nearing completion, is being carried out by Assistant Commissioner Ray McAndrew.

It is expected that Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy will be presented with the report within the next week or two, and it will then be made available to Mr McDowell.

Ms Du Plantier’s badly battered body was found just metres from her holiday home at Dunmanus West, near Schull, Co Cork, on December 23, 1996.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer, acting for Mr Bailey, sought the investigation following the withdrawal, in 2005, of a statement by a potentially main witness Marie Farrell. Ms Farrell had allegedly stated to gardaí she saw Mr Bailey near the scene on the night Ms Du Plantier died.

“I’d be surprised that the minister would consider, in any way, prejudging what might occur as a result of the present inquiry in that, to my knowledge, it has not yet reported either to him or the Garda commissioner.

“Therefore, to form a view as to what might happen, it suggests either that the minister has information in advance of the report — on the basis of which he’s giving this indication or, alternatively, that he doesn’t have any interest in what the report may contain in respect of the very inquiry which he required to be conducted,” Mr Buttimer said.