When the people’s right to know does not have to await due process

AT THIS stage, most readers probably feel there is little more to be said about the recent controversy between Michael McDowell and Frank Connolly. The issues have been fairly well aired on both sides.

However, as the saga draws to a close, at least for the Christmas break, there is one contribution I’d like to add and that is to refute two bizarre notions which seem to have gained some currency during the last week or so.

Firstly, it has been suggested that, irrespective of the quality or extent of the information he or she has, a minister cannot allege that a person was involved in a criminal act unless that person has had the opportunity of due process in a criminal court where the offence against him or her has been proved beyond reasonable doubt.