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.