Enda Kenny denies sacking garda commissioner

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was again forced to deny sacking former Garda commissioner Martin Callinan as Fianna Fáil tabled a Dáil motion of no confidence in embattled Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

With the political storm showing little sign of easing, Mr Kenny defended his actions after Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin accused him of “gagging” Mr Callinan to protect Mr Shatter.

The Taoiseach said he only had the power to dismiss ministers, and that he had sent the senior civil servant from the Department of Justice to visit Mr Callinan at home on Monday night, not to tell him to resign, but to convey to him the Government’s concern at the garda telephone taping controversy.