GSOC judge must be given full powers

GSOC-gate judge must be granted the legal powers to do the job, writes Mark Kelly

SINCE the GSOC bugging allegations first emerged, 10 days of claims and counterclaims have impaired the credibility of our police accountability structures. The damage is profound but need not be irreparable if decisive action is taken by the Government now.

The decision to appoint a retired High Court judge to review matters is a welcome first step towards restoring public trust, but there is no guarantee that the Government will grant him the legal powers necessary to do the job.