Morris: Higgins told to reveal sources

Fine Gael Senator Jim Higgins has been told he must hand over the source of allegations he received against gardaí in Co Donegal.

Lawyers for the Morris tribunal insist that Senator Higgins and Labour TD Brendan Howlin must reveal their sources of information to enable the tribunal to carry out its work.

In June 2000, the then TD Jim Higgins received a phone call to his Ballyhaunis home from someone he knew making allegations against gardai.

Brendan Howlin received a similar call around the same time. Both men were asked to pass their information onto the tribunal but they claim they could not disclose the identity of their sources, who wished to remain anonymous.

The politicians argue that such information is privileged under the constitution, but lawyers for the tribunal say no such legislation exists.

Speaking last week on behalf of himself and Senator Higgins, Brendan Howlin said they are both willing to give the tribunal all the information they have, but neither is prepared to divulge their sources.

Mr Howlin argues that as long as they have handled the information properly, they have privilege over it.