Garda whistleblower a 'decent, honourable man'

One of the whistleblowers at the centre of a Garda scandal has been called a "decent, honourable man".

Retired Detective Sergeant Alan Bailey said the senior Garda who claims he was involved in alleged efforts to discredit a previous whistleblower, feels it is his duty to expose distasteful practices in the force.

The Garda Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan has denied any knowledge of the incident and wants it investigated at the earliest opportunity.

However, she is now facing calls to step down.

Retired Garda Alan Bailey said the latest whistleblower is credible.

"He's a decent, honourable man. I imagine he has come forward because he feels it is his duty as a serving member (of the Force). The allegations are very distasteful and I can see why a man would come forward."

A judicial-led inquiry looks set to be established by the Government into the allegations, following reports this week in the Irish Examiner that senior gardaí engaged in a campaign to “destroy and crush” a whistleblower within the force.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dáil a judge is likely to be appointed to investigate the allegations.

Amid calls for her resignation in the Dáil yesterday, Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan (pictured) insisted she was “not privy to nor approved of any action” designed to target any Garda employee who may have made a protected disclosure.

She said she would condemn any such action.