Panel members say Garda interview did not ask about personal politics

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Two interview-panel members said in affidavits before the High Court in Dublin that Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan asked about left-wing extremists during a Deputy Commissioner interview, but did not ask about the candidate’s personal political views.

Assistant Commissioner John Fintan Fanning alleges the competition was unfair and that the commissioner should have declared a potential conflict of interest and recused herself. He claims she asked about his views on left-wing politicians during his March 2015 interview. He said he was uncomfortable because he had a statutory obligation not to affiliate or associate with any political group.

On 3 June 2015, he applied to Mr Justice David Keane for injunctions restraining the Public Appointments Service, Ireland and the Attorney General from taking further steps to appoint anyone as Deputy Commissioner pending the full hearing of his action. He alleges the recruitment procedures infringed his constitutional rights, including fair procedures and natural justice.

Panel member Sean Dorgan said the question followed discussion of security threats and that the candidate responded calmly without showing discomfort. The other panel member said the questions concerned the demands of the role and that no candidate was asked about personal political views.

Conor Power SC, for the defendants, opposed the injunction application. The defendants denied the claims and maintained that the interview was fair and professional. The proceedings were reported on 3 June 2015. The hearing was continuing.