Mick Wallace: Garda boss will be gone in weeks

The Government last night announced a judge-led inquiry into allegations by two senior that Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan knew of a campaign by senior officers to “destroy” a whistleblower.

Former High Court judge Iarfhlaith O’Neill has been appointed by Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald to review allegations of wrongdoing contained in two “protected disclosures” which landed on her desk on Monday.

He has been given six weeks to produce a report to her and recommend a course of action.

The new inquiry follows reports in the Irish Examiner earlier this week, which detailed the very serious allegations contained in the two protected disclosures.

Responding to the announcement last night, Independents4Change TD Mick Wallace described the inquiry as a mere paper exercise, but insisted that, in his view, “the Commissioner will be gone by Christmas”.

The news comes as a separate report compiled by a senior member of the force outlining what is claimed to be dysfunctionality at management level is due to be sent to the Department of Justice in the coming days.

The report is understood to include a number of strands of complaint including reference to a clique-based management which excludes most assistant commissioners in decision making.

Ms O’Sullivan is fighting calls for her to be sacked after whistleblower Superintendent David Taylor disclosed that he took part in the campaign to attack another whistleblower, Sgt Maurice McCabe.

Supt Taylor insists he was acting on orders from on high and that Ms O’Sullivan was aware of it.

The Commissioner yesterday refused to address Supt Taylor’s claims, telling reporters they would be dealt with “on another day”. Before allowing any further questions she said: “Right now I have another meeting to go to.”

In a statement last night, Ms O’Sullivan said she welcomed the decision by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice to appoint Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill to review recent protected disclosures.

“An Garda Síochána will co-operate fully with this review process,” she said.

In her statement, the Tánaiste said that Judge O’Neill can make “any inquiries with persons or bodies that he considers appropriate in relation to the review”. After the six-week period, Judge O’Neill will recommend a course of action to her.

Supt Taylor, who is currently suspended from duty with the force, was arrested last year on suspicion of leaking material to the media and went to the High Court earlier this year to stop disciplinary proceedings being taken against him by the Commissioner.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Wallace said that, in his view, the inquiry will trigger the departure of Ms O’Sullivan from her post.

“Six weeks is very quick and it looks like a paper exercise from the Government,” said Mr Wallace. :But I know what is in those disclosures and mark my word, she will be gone by Christmas.

“The Government has enough evidence to justify getting rid of her without needing the inquiry.”

Fianna Fáil spokesman on justice Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the decision by the Government to launch a formal inquiry into the latest set of Garda whistleblower allegations.

“I welcome the establishment of a formal inquiry to examine these serious allegations,” said Mr O’Callaghan. “Fianna Fáil has been clear in saying that such an investigation is needed.

News: 8&9