Courts / Ireland / Report

Sun journalist "would not allow herself to be used in smear campaign"

Summary

Eavan Murray, a journalist for the Irish Sun, told the Charleton tribunal that she would not allow herself to be used in a smear campaign. The tribunal is examining allegations by former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor that he directed a smear of Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Former commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan deny any smear campaign. The DPP had directed no prosecution after a Garda investigation in 2006, finding no evidence of a crime. Murray said she never received negative briefings about McCabe from Taylor or any Garda, nor was she told he was a child abuser. She had contact with Taylor, as shown by texts and calls, but claimed she was not covering the McCabe story for her paper. Her focus was on crime, and she said the penalty‑points scandal was more political. Murray visited the home of former press officer Miss D in early 2014 to seek an interview.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sun journalist "would not allow herself to be used in smear campaign". Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2018-06-11 Publication

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report