McDowell is undermining our democratic rights

I LEAVE to others the argument over the propriety and constitutionality of Mr McDowell's action in handing part of a confidential garda file to his drinking buddy Sam Smyth and in making allegations against Mr Connolly behind the shield of Dáil privilege.

To my mind, there is no argument: Mr McDowell has confirmed the impression he created since he first took office of a man whose appetites are undemocratic, authoritarian and contemptuous of the notion of civil or legal rights by overturning the constitutional divide between the executive and judicial functions of the State for political reasons. As such, he is an extremely dangerous person to have in Government, and particularly in charge of the Department of Justice and the gardaí.

He should go forthwith, and if he does not, the voters should ensure his non-return at the next opportunity.