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Tribunal should disregard evidence of TDs, garda lawyers say
Summary
The Charleton tribunal is hearing closing submissions about allegations that former Garda press officer Superintendent David Taylor directed negative briefings against whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Lawyers for the Garda commissioner, Martin Callinan, argue that the tribunal should disregard the testimony of four witnesses – journalist Philip Boucher‑Hayes, TDs John McGuinness and John Deasy, and Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy – because their accounts conflict and they did not report their alleged conversations with Callinan at the time. Callinan's counsel, Shane Murphy SC, notes inconsistencies in McGuinness's statements about notes from a 2014 meeting and in Deasy's recollection of what was said. Callinan maintains he was asked about McCabe by McCarthy and that he explained the allegations were investigated and no prosecution was directed. Lawyers for McCabe, Michael McDowell SC, contend that McCabe is entitled to vindication as a truthful witness. The tribunal will consider these arguments before Justice Peter Charleton submits his report in October.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Tribunal should disregard evidence of TDs, garda lawyers say. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- January 2014 Other
- March 2017 Other
- December 2013 Other
- 23 January 2014 Other
- 2013 and 2014 Other
- 2018-06-29 Publication
Why: Mr Murphy said that RTÉ journalist Philip Boucher-Hayes' account of a conversation with the then commissioner in December 2013 contained a number of inconsistencies, and it was unlikely that the journalist would have prevented a broadcast going ahead because of a disagreement over what questions Mr Callinan should answer on air. CNI source report
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