No garda probe on cocaine minister claims

JUSTICE Minister Brian Lenihan has ruled out asking the new Garda chief to investigate allegations a government minister was a regular cocaine user because he said there was no credible evidence to support the claims.

Gardaí can only act on claims of criminal activity if a formal complaint is filed but Mr Lenihan said there did not seem to be enough substance to the allegations to justify him asking Commissioner Fachtna Murphy to launch a probe.

“I think it would be a very hazardous investigation. There is no basis for the allegation other than a hand-written note and that’s where the matter rests. There is an issue of credibility about the allegations,” the minister said.