Ceann Comhairle defends ‘brave’ friend Nóirín O’Sullivan

The Ceann Comhairle has hit out at attempts to remove Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan without “evidence”, saying Ireland is at risk of “groupthink” which is “one step short of mob rule”.

Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s comments about his “brave” close friend came as the Irish Examiner learned the Oireachtas committee on procedure and privileges he chairs is taking legal advice on whether three no confidence motions in Ms O’Sullivan should be allowed.

Speaking on his local radio station Kildare FM, Mr Ó Fearghaíl defended Ms O’Sullivan, saying she is a “very brave and courageous” person who is entitled to her good name. He said TDs and senators “need to be very careful” about use of Oireachtas privilege to make comments “without evidence” in relation to the commissioner, whose husband is a former school friend of Mr Ó Fearghaíl.