‘I’ve been answering ... to the best of my ability’, journalist tells Charleton Tribunal

A journalist has told the Charleton Tribunal she would not consider sources who provided factual statements about a Garda investigation into allegations against Sgt Maurice McCabe to be smearing the sergeant.

The tribunal is looking at allegations by former Garda press officer Supt David Taylor that he was directed to smear Sgt McCabe. Former commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O’Sullivan deny there was any smear campaign.

Irish Mail on Sunday journalist Debbie McCann told the tribunal she was not negatively briefed by any garda about Sgt McCabe. She said she investigated rumours and learned there had been an investigation following which the DPP directed no prosecution.