Garda scandals have Enda doing a Bertie

The decision to indefinitely delay the publication of the report into whether the former Garda commissioner is treating the electorate with disrespect, writes Michael Clifford

THERE is a smell off everything surrounding the departure of the former Garda commissioner, and it’s beginning to turn really sour. With each new revelation about the circumstances around, and investigation of, the resignation of Martin Callinan, suspicion grows that he may have been sacked in a manner usually reserved for despotic regimes.

The latest missive from the Fennelly Inquiry is deeply troubling. Former judge Nial Fennelly has written to the Taoiseach informing him that publication of an interim report, expected to deal with Mr Callinan’s resignation, has been delayed indefinitely. The inclusion of Mr Callinan’s departure in the commission’s terms of reference at all was highly suspicious. This latest delay heightens suspicion further, and for the first time raises a question about the inquiry itself. What possible reason could there be to delay what might be an embarrassing, or even devastating, report on the Taoiseach?