Courts / Laois / Report
Senior garda was never asked about political views by Commissioner during interview, High Court hears
Summary
During a High Court hearing, Assistant Commissioner John Fintan Fanning claimed that Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan asked him about his personal political views during his interview for Deputy Commissioner. He said the questions concerned left‑wing political extremism and left‑wing politicians, and that he felt uncomfortable because he is legally required not to affiliate with any political group. Fanning argues the interview was unfair and that the Commissioner should have declared a conflict of interest and recused herself. The interview board members, including Mr Sean Dorgan and Ms Margaret McCabe, testified that the questions were about left‑wing extremists only in the context of security threats, not about his personal political views. Fanning seeks an injunction to halt further appointments to the Deputy Commissioner post and declarations that the recruitment process violated his constitutional rights. The case is before Justice David Keane.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Senior garda was never asked about political views by Commissioner during interview, High Court hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2015-06-03 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
Topics
Related court reports
- ESB worker too late to pursue claim seeking €42k in alleged unpaid overtime
- Balaclava attacker claims car search breached his rights
- Lithuanian man admits engaging in terrorist plot to attack mosque
- Mosque bomb attack accused argues he can't get a fair trial
- Judge should have convicted drivers caught like 'fish in a barrel' in 'unjust speed zone'
- Seven years for sex offender who repeatedly recorded himself assaulting sleeping woman
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request