'No illegal activity' when Garda negotiated return to politics

There were questions over whether Noel O'Donovan had broken Garda disciplinary rules 

Under the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, being involved in a political party is deemed as a 'prohibited spare-time activity'. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

A Cork local election hopeful has said there was no wrongdoing when he negotiated his return to politics with Fine Gael while still a serving Garda.

There were questions over whether Noel O'Donovan, running in the Skibbereen local electoral area, broke Garda disciplinary rules that prevent serving gardaí from “actively or publicly” identifying with a political party.