Morris lawyers accused of covering up truth

Top lawyers in the Garda corruption tribunal were today accused of hiding the truth.

The McBrearty family, key witnesses at the Morris Tribunal, claimed senior counsel were preventing vital facts from coming out and refusing to support their battle for justice.

During heated exchanges with the family Mr Justice Frederick Morris, inquiry chairman, said complaints levelled at barristers were unjustified and demanded they be withdrawn.

He also said there was no doubt about the meaning of criticisms about Tribunal staff.

“It’s unfair and unworthy of you to be making these complaints. It’s unfair and unworthy of you to be going on like that….. But I’m not criticising you at all. I haven’t said one word of criticism.”

Mr Justice Morris pleaded with Frank McBrearty senior to pull in the same direction as the inquiry’s legal team.

But the Donegal businessman continued to argue that his rights were not being protected.

“I’m relying on you and your son and Mr (Mark) McConnell to help me and it does not help me to be subjected to criticisms like you have this morning, and if you’re half the man I think you are Mr McBrearty, you will withdraw the criticisms,” the chairman said.

“Let’s face facts, there was a statement made that counsel employed by the Tribunal were trying to prevent the truth coming out.

“That was said, not only was it said today, but it was said on a previous occasion. That is not worthy of you or your family, it’s not worthy of you, that comment.”

Mr Justice Morris asked for the criticisms to be withdrawn but the McBrearty family refused.

Becoming increasingly angered the chairman then threatened to take action against the family unless the criticism ended.

“I must warn you that you I will take steps in relation to it,” Mr Justice Morris said.

“If there is any repetition of criticisms of counsel for the Tribunal you will have no-one to blame but yourself for what happens. That is the end of the matter and I don’t want you to refer to it any further.”

Frank McBrearty junior attempted to interrupt the debate but Mr Justice Morris refused to allow the inquiry to be disrupted any further and called for the next witness.

“If you continue Mr McBrearty you have no-one to blame but yourself, please resume your seat,” he said.

The Morris Tribunal is examining allegations of corruption amongst Garda in County Donegal during the 1990s.

The current module is looking into the events surrounding the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron in October 1996.