Callinan tells tribunal he "never sought to discredit" McCabe

Former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan told the Charleton Tribunal on Friday that he never sought to discredit Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Mr Callinan denied directing press officer Superintendent David Taylor to brief media negatively about the whistleblowing sergeant. He also denied attempting to undermine the Public Accounts Committee following a hotel car park meeting with its chairman after giving evidence on the penalty points controversy. The tribunal is examining allegations that Mr Callinan instructed Superintendent Taylor to damage Sergeant McCabe's reputation. Mr Callinan said he was concerned about a serving garda appearing before the committee and confidential information becoming public. He acknowledged learning of a 2006 allegation against Sergeant McCabe only when the tribunal provided him with the Director of Public Prosecutions' direction not to prosecute, which deemed the matter did not constitute assault. The proceedings continue this afternoon.