McDowell tells Gardai 'don't be demoralised'

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has appealed to the Gardai not to be demoralised by the actions of some members of the force in the Frank Shortt case.

“To members of the Garda Siochana in particular, don’t be demoralised by events such as this," he said.

"Stick to the high standards you have set yourselves and that your predecessors in the force have set, and come out of this strengthened and improved."

The Minister also said although he was surprised and disappointed by the affair, which culminated in the suspension of two members of the Gardai, he did not believe the reputation of the force has been damaged.