Barrister who examined McCabe tells tribunal his "conscience remains clear"

A senior barrister who cross-examined garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe at the 2015 O'Higgins Commission of Investigation has told the Charleton tribunal that his conscience remains clear. Colm Smyth SC represented former Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan and senior officers during proceedings into complaints about garda conduct in the Cavan Monaghan division. Under examination by Michael McDowell SC on behalf of Sgt McCabe, Mr Smyth stated he had fulfilled his duty to defend his clients' interests and would act identically if required again. He characterised his questioning of the sergeant as probing rather than assault, and said he had put the case instructed by the former commissioner to test the veracity of allegations. Mr Smyth acknowledged not having reviewed certain documentation before a May 2015 letter was drafted, resulting in an inaccurate account of an August 2008 meeting. He denied causing upset through his questioning and said he observed no ill-will towards Sgt McCabe among his instructing clients.