Martin and Rabbitte give evidence to Disclosures Tribunal

Two senior politicians gave evidence to the Charleton tribunal regarding allegations that garda leadership circulated damaging rumours about whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe to political figures and media. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin testified that in February 2014, following discussions about McCabe's dossier concerning malpractice in the Cavan-Monaghan garda district, he was informed by Teachta John McGuinness of a conversation between then-Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and McGuinness in which McCabe's trustworthiness and character were questioned. Martin stated he proceeded cautiously with the information and focused instead on the substantive complaints McCabe had raised. Former Labour minister Pat Rabbitte gave evidence that a former garda driver warned him against involvement with McCabe, claiming colleagues questioned his character. Rabbitte emphasised the seriousness of such allegations. Legal representatives disputed aspects of both accounts. The tribunal's investigation examines whether senior gardaí deliberately damaged McCabe's reputation among politicians and journalists.