Kenny rejects call to use privilege to explain Callinan exit

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has claimed opposition calls for him to use parliamentary privilege to finally explain what caused the sudden retirement of ex-garda commissioner Martin Callinan are an “utterly disgraceful” attempt “to undermine” the independent investigation into the case.

Mr Kenny issued the staunch defence despite growing pressure for him to reveal what happened a year ago this month, after it emerged at the weekend the Fennelly Commission report on the matter has been delayed.

Speaking in the Dáil, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin accused the Taoiseach of “deliberately” hiding “the truth” about why Mr Callinan chose to retire.

When asked about the Fennelly report delay Mr Kenny said Mr Martin’s comments were “utterly disgraceful”.

Paraphrasing Mr Kenny, Mr Martin said: “The famous comment by the Taoiseach that Paddy likes to know, well Paddy’s been in the dark for the last 12 months in terms of a very serious constitutional issue.

“The Taoiseach has deliberately hidden the truth on this from day one,” he said.

Mr Kenny’s spokesperson last night said it is a criminal offence under inquiries’ legislation to comment about an ongoing investigation.

He also said the media will in future be informed about correspondence on the Fennelly report involving Mr Kenny’s office.

The latter comment was made after officials did not inform journalists about the February 17 letter confirming the investigation has been delayed due to Ian Bailey’s wrongful arrest case against the State and Mr Callinan for more than a fortnight.