Hayes: Govt did not 'stitch up' Callinan

Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has said he does not accept accusations that the Government "stitched up" the former Garda Commissioner.

He said it was "complete nonsense" to suggest that Martin Callinan was forced out, after reports that Department of Justice officials told Mr Callinan not to withdraw his "disgusting" remarks about the actions of Garda whistleblowers.

He said Martin Callinan's resignation was his own decision "for family reason, and of course to protect the force".

Minister Hayes also said opposition leaders were treating the issue and Garda taping revelations as a "Punch and Judy performance".