Fears claims about ex-judge will taint GSOC probe

A row has erupted over claims a former member of the judiciary appointed to lead an inquiry into the Garda ombudsman bugging scandal is a “Fine Gael judge”.

The Coalition has appointed former High Court judge John Cooke to look into claims that there were potential security breaches last year at the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

Mr Cooke has eight weeks to review claims and counter-claims about the bugging scandal and report back to the justice minister, before the report is published.