Ombudsman to probe TD’s complaint

Gardaí will be questioned and their phone records possibly examined by the Garda Ombudsman as part of an investigation into complaints by TD Clare Daly, who has been cleared of suspected drink-driving.

The Garda Ombudsman’s office confirmed it is investigating complaints by the Dublin politician about the leaking of her arrest to the media.

The United Left Alliance TD claimed there had been a deliberate attempt to discredit her because of her recent highlighting of alleged wrongdoing in the force.

In a statement, Ms Daly said results from urine tests she gave after being arrested two weeks ago showed she was 33% under the legal alcohol limit.

Ms Daly, who admitted drinking a hot whiskey before getting behind the wheel, said details of her arrest were deliberately leaked to the media to undermine her campaign criticising gardaí for quashing penalty points.

“I believe that this was a deliberate attempt to discredit a left-wing TD who has raised issues of malpractice within the Garda Síochána. This information could only have come from within the gardaí.”

She was stopped in the early hours of Tuesday, Jan 29, after making an illegal turn. She was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and taken to Kilmainham Garda Station.

The Garda Ombudsman yesterday confirmed it was investigating Ms Daly’s complaint as a criminal investigation under Section 98 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

The ombudsman is expected to interview journalists involved in reporting on Ms Daly’s arrest as well as gardaí. Phone records of members of the force may also be examin-ed, sources said.

Ms Daly yesterday said she had been advised by her solicitor that the method of arrest was not standard Garda procedure.

She said: “I was arrested and handcuffed on the side of the road. I objected to being handcuffed and stated that I would willingly go to the Garda station. I was told by the arresting garda that this was ‘procedure’.

“I was brought in a patrol car to the Kilmainham Garda Station — within 300m distance. At one point I was placed in a cell on my own. A doctor was called and I provided a urine sample. When I was released a female garda told me to ‘come back when you are sober’.”

It is understood that her complaint about the use of handcuffs and the method by which she was arrested has not been formally communicated to the Garda Ombudsman but that it is expected to be next week.

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said he would not comment on Ms Daly’s complaints but added that there were very clear guidelines on the use of handcuffs.