Shatter faces mounting calls to resign ministry

Justice Minister Alan Shatter faced calls to resign amid attacks on his position and claims that the public were appalled at the way the Garda Commissioner was shafted to save his skin.

Fianna Fáil dismissed claims the minister was hardworking and, instead, said Mr Shatter had moved from to crisis to crisis in the year since there was last a previous Dáil vote of no confidence in him.

Justice spokesman Niall Collins led the charge during the party’s motion of no confidence as Opposition TDs attacked the minister’s character and actions in his department.

Fianna Fáil said there were four inquiries into maladministration now underway, including the alleged bugging of the Garda Ombudsman, claims of Garda malpractice and the penalty points saga.

The Garda tapes scandal had “conveniently” come out of nowhere and surprised everybody, he said, just when Mr Shatter was in the dock over several issues.

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen also questioned the circumstances around the recent tapes scandal. He queried why the Taoiseach did not seek the advice of his justice minister before sending the head of that department, Brian Purcell, out to speak to the Garda chief at his home, where afterwards he resigned.

Willie O’Dea, a former defence minister, attacked Mr Shatter’s character. He questioned why people thought the minister was a “reforming hyperactive genius” when everything he touched turned to dust, to a “shambles”. The Limerick TD claimed that Mr Shatter’s name had become a watchword for “hubris”, “arrogance”, and “intellectual superiority”.

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said the Garda’s authority had been damaged by recent scandals and the credibility of Mr Shatter was “now set at zero”. The dogs on the streets knew this, she said, asking why Coalition partners Labour did not.

The Dáil debate will continue this evening before a vote on the motion.