Former garda set to sue RTÉ

The Garda whistleblower John Wilson has issued High Court defamation proceedings against RTÉ over comments made in relation to his work in exposing the abuse of the penalty points system.

The comments were made early last year by celebrity solicitor Gerard Kean, who was contributing to a panel discussion about whistleblowers on The Marian Finucane Show.

Contributors to radio programmes are usually indemnified by the station in instances where their comments attract legal action.

When contacted about the matter yesterday, Mr Wilson said he had no comment to make. He retired from the force in May 2013, because he said he was not able to continue serving due to the reaction he had received following the revelations he had made about the abuse of the penalty points system.

He subsequently took a legal action against the force for being subjected to disciplinary action because he had attended a court case while off-duty. The court ruled in favour of the force, with some caveats. The court also heard the incident was not related to his reasons for leaving the force.

Since leaving, he has been heavily involved in exposing alleged corruption, having offered assistance to a number of organisations and individuals who have made complaints. He is a brother of Fianna Fáil senator Diarmuid Wilson and a nephew of the late John Wilson, who served in a number of Fianna Fáil administrations. Mr Wilson had intimated that he intends to enter politics as an independent candidate at the next general election.

He is first reserve to MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, which means should Mr Flanagan vacate the seat, Mr Wilson will occupy it until the next European election.