Coalition bids to defuse internal crisis with Callinan's withdrawal

From day one and with each twist that the controversy brings, the handling of the penalty points issue has always been about saving political neck.

And so it will be over the next 48 hours when Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan is expected to withdraw his comments — made two months ago — about the actions of whistleblowers being “disgusting”.

He will do so just in time to take the heat out of tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting where a showdown is expected between Justice Minister Alan Shatter and Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.