Senior Garda ‘taken aback’ by interview

An assistant garda commissioner has claimed he was asked by Garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan during interviews for the position of deputy commisisoner about his views on “left-wing political extremism in Ireland” and on left- wing politicians.

Assistant Commissioner John Fintan Fanning, who has initiated High Court action alleging an “unfair” competition was held for the post of deputy commissioner, said he was “taken aback” and “uncomfortable” at such questions.

He also claims Ms O’Sullivan should have declared a potential conflict of interest prior to the interviews and recused herself from them.