Whether Garda or political controversy, responsibility ultimately lies with politicians

In the past, Garda commissioners became implicated in what were largely political controversies, writes Ryle Dwyer

THE political controversy that led to the unrest which prompted Martin Callinan’s resignation would initially seem relatively minor in comparison with the controversy surrounding the last time a Garda commissioner resigned in the midst of controversy.

Garda Commissioner Patrick McLoughlin was given the choice of resigning or being sacked in January 1983 over his involvement in the telephone tapping controversy of two journalists.