Bugging controversy - Strong whiff of sinister in the air

It is extremely troubling that confusion and obfuscation continue to surround the suspected bugging at the office of the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission.

Following a welcome assurance that the gardaí were not behind the electronic surveillance of this important pillar of justice and democracy, the burning question yet to be answered is — what criminal group or rogue agency was behind it?

In a significant twist, the ombudsman yesterday told the Oireachtas Public Service Oversight Committee that it believed there was an unidentified leak in its office. It was also confirmed the equipment which detected a mystery phone call was supplied solely to government agencies. While hard evidence has not been found, the ombudsman says a “credible threat” to its security had been identified.