Former commissioner ‘not comfortable’ in Taylor’s presence

Former Garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan has told the Charleton Tribunal she “did not feel comfortable” in the presence of former garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor, and at “times he appeared to be a divisive individual”.

The tribunal is examining allegations by Supt Taylor that he was directed to brief the media negatively on whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe by former commissioner Martin Callinan, and that Ms O’Sullivan was aware of this. Both former commissioners deny this.

Ms O’Sullivan said it seemed that Supt Taylor did not respect the professionalism of his boss, civilian communications director Andrew McLindon, and “there was division and the office wasn’t working well together”.