Indo editor denies telling colleague that McCabe was "a paedophile"

Fionnan Sheahan, editor of the Irish Independent, has denied telling a former colleague that garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe was "a paedophile". Giving evidence to the Charleton tribunal on Friday, Mr Sheahan stated he had only encountered "unfounded allegations and rumours" on the matter and possessed no evidence to present. The tribunal is examining allegations that Superintendent David Taylor was directed to conduct a smear campaign against Sgt McCabe, claims denied by former commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan. Mr Sheahan contended that former Sunday Independent editor Anne Harris was "confused" about an alleged 2014 conversation and suggested she was "headline hunting". Former RTÉ Chief News Editor Ray Burke and Garda Human Resources director John Barrett also gave testimony regarding coverage of the O'Higgins Commission report into policing in the Cavan-Monaghan division. The tribunal resumes next Thursday.