Sacking of Callinan was a diversionary tactic by Taoiseach, claims Martin

Taoiseach Enda Kenny “essentially sacked” the Garda commissioner to divert attention from a Cabinet split, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has insisted.

The accusation drew an angry response from Mr Kenny who said the opposition leader had branded him a liar.

Mr Kenny said the comments were “beneath” the Fianna Fáil leader during heated Dáil exchanges as opposition leaders demanded the resignation of embattled Justice Minister Alan Shatter.