Shatter refuses invite to address gardaí

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has turned down the traditional ministerial address at a Garda annual conference because it coincides with the Jewish Passover.

A spokeswoman for the minister said he had a commitment to keep on Monday evening, the time he was due to speak at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors conference in Killarney.

The spokeswoman pointed out that the minister also had to travel to Luxembourg early on Tuesday morning to attend a meeting of EU defence ministers.