The Morris report - Officers are vindicated

THE Morris tribunal yesterday cleared the names of two senior gardaí — one retired — assistant commissioner Kevin Carty and former assistant commissioner Tony Hickey.

This is to be welcomed as it would be unimaginable that any officer at this level could remain in office unless the tribunal completely vindicated them.

Though commissioner Fachtna Murphy yesterday apologised for a second time over corruption in the Donegal ranks, describing it as unacceptable and dishonourable, the report underlines the need for an authority with the power and independence needed to investigate allegations against gardaí.