Legal view: ‘Kenny’s actions suggest commissioner was pushed’

The manner in which Taoiseach Enda Kenny confronted Martin Callinan on Monday suggests the Garda commissioner was “pushed” into resigning, according to a top legal expert.

Professor Dermot Walsh said this was “subversive” of the legislation governing the dismissal of senior police officers. He said there was a “crucial, legal difference” between Mr Callinan being told by the secretary general of the Department of Justice Brian Purcell that the Cabinet — rather than just the Taoiseach — had concerns over the tapes and possible difficulties for him.

The professor of law at Kent University said only the Cabinet can dismiss a commissioner. It emerged yesterday that the Cabinet didn’t even know of the recordings until Tuesday.