Standing up for the right to silence, minister’s object to law changes

TWO Fianna Fáil TDs who are also barristers have criticised Tánaiste Michael McDowell’s proposal to restrict the right to silence, saying it would be an “erosion” of a basic civil liberty.

Dun Laoghaire TD Barry Andrews and Dublin South Central TD Michael Mulcahy have both said they will make clear their opposition to the measure if it is brought before the Dáil.

Earlier this month, Mr McDowell published draft legislation containing several proposals to counter gangland crime, one of which was to restrict the right to silence.