Key Morris witness refused legal aid

A key witness at the Morris Tribunal was facing huge legal bills today after Justice Minister Michael McDowell turned down his request for help.

Frank McBrearty senior said he was “very disappointed” at the Minister’s response, which he received in a letter yesterday.

The Government will not guarantee payment of the McBrearty family’s bills for legal representation at the Morris tribunal into Garda corruption in Donegal.

The McBrearty family, whose complaints of garda harassment led to the setting up of the tribunal, have withdrawn their legal counsel due to the escalating costs.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said he knew Mr McBrearty was unhappy with how he was being treated but had no authority to intervene in the matter.

He said the legal costs incurred during the Morris Tribunal were a matter for the chairman alone.

Mr McBrearty said: “I am very surprised that a man who canvassed up every pole during the election doesn’t see the need for the ordinary man in the street to be protected against the State.”

Mr McBrearty said it wasn’t fair to expect his legal team to wait six years for payment. He also expressed concern that the only garda who so far had been prosecuted over the affair was Garda John Nicholson, “who only got a rap on the knuckles.”

It is expected Mr McBrearty will be called to give evidence at the Morris Tribunal later this year.