FG demands more powers for tribunal

Fine Gael has demanded an extension of the terms of reference of the tribunal established to investigate alleged garda corruption in Donegal.

The party wants the terms expanded to include an examination of the roles played by former Justice Minister John O’Donoghue and Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne.

Fine Gael Senator Jim Higgins also called for the tribunal to be given the power to investigate the Frank Shortt case, saying Mr Shortt’s treatment by members of the Force is not being taken seriously enough.

The Co Donegal nightclub owner recently won a miscarriage of justice certificate after the courts ruled that gardaí had invented and withheld evidence to convict him of allowing drugs to be sold on his premises.

Mr Shortt spent three years in jail after the conviction.