Defence Forces Ombudsman does not have power to investigate case of commandant denied promotion

Alan Kearney, who has since resigned from the Defence Forces, was subjected to a protracted and flawed investigation based on WhatsApp messages he exchanged with a former member of the force who was working for An Garda Síochána. File picture

The Defence Forces Ombudsman has concluded that he does not have the power to investigate the case of Commandant Alan Kearney, who was denied a promotion and had 12 criminal charges hanging over him for more than two years despite a complete lack of evidence.

Mr Kearney, who has since resigned from the Defence Forces, was subjected to a protracted investigation based on WhatsApp messages he exchanged with a former member of the force who was working for An Garda Síochána.