‘Paradigm’ of whistleblower unattractive

Seán Guerin used the conclusion of the report to analyse the concept of a whistleblower in a force as well as the consequences Sergeant Maurice McCabe has faced both personally and professionally.

The barrister admitted the “paradigm” of the whistleblower is an unattractive one.

“The whistleblower, like the referee from whom he gets his name, is seen as someone who is not on the team,” said Mr Guerin. “The challenge of accommodating and learning from legitimate criticism is always going to be a difficult one, especially in a disciplined force. But discipline is not merely the absence of insubordination. Discipline is application to the task at hand.”