Opposition calls for O'Donoghue to resign

Opposition parties are calling for the Minister for Justice, John O'Donoghue, to resign in the wake of post mortem results on a Donegal farmer whose death sparked an investigation into allegations of corruption in the gardai.

It emerged that cattle dealer Ritchie Barron died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run and not murder, despite a murder inquiry being launched.

Members of a local Raphoe family, the McBrearty's were questioned about his death and claimed they were subjected to intense harrassment.

Fine Gael's Jim Higgins says Minister O'Donoghue stands responsible for this shambles, and a public inquiry is now needed to get to the bottom of the mystery.

A spokesperson for John O'Donoghue said the Minister already informed the Dail he was seeking the advice of the attorney general in relation to any inquiry.

He added that the Minister was mindful that civil and criminal proceedings were in place and he did not want to prejudice those cases.

The spokesman added that Fine Gael's call for the Minister's resignation was mischievous and did not warrant a response.