Michael Clifford: Time to scratch beneath the surface of garda 'corruption' probe

The recent suspensions of gardaí could lead to allegations of widespread corruption, but scratch beneath the surface and a different picture emerges, writes Michael Clifford

The suspensions come two years into a corruption investigation by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The eight suspensions, the largest number of gardaí ever suspended in one action, brings to 11 the total number of gardaí suspended in this investigation, including a superintendent and inspector.

The news that eight gardaí have been suspended in Munster is, by any standards, sensational. That the arrests are in connection to what a Garda statement described as “corruption in public office” adds to the spice.

The suspensions come two years into a corruption investigation by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI). The eight suspensions, the largest number of gardaí ever suspended in one action, brings to 11 the total number of gardaí suspended in this investigation, including a superintendent and inspector.