Minister urged to intervene in Garda row

JUSTICE Minister Brendan Smith is being urged to intervene in a worsening public row between the biggest Garda staff association and the state’s Garda watchdog.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has dramatically accused the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) of conducting an “excessive and oppressive” investigation in a case which finished in the courts on Monday.

Garda Brendan Whitty was acquitted of serious assault charges in the Circuit Criminal Court, following an investigation by GSOC.