Relationship between Garda and Government has ‘changed forever’

WHILE the implications of the Garda taping crisis continue to unravel, there are growing concerns at the Taoiseach’s role in Martin Callinan’s shock departure and the impact on the relationship between the Government and An Garda Síochána.

One of the leading experts on government and policing in Ireland suspects the manner in which the commissioner left sent out the message he was “pushed”. This, according to Professor Dermot Walsh, was “subversive” of the legislation covering how Garda chiefs should be dismissed.

Meanwhile, senior Garda sources, some close to Mr Callinan, said he was “sacrificed” and made a “scapegoat” by his political masters.