Tribunal hears evidence on O’Sullivan’s McCabe credibility strategy

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

The Disclosures Tribunal heard evidence about Nóirín O’Sullivan’s legal strategy concerning Maurice McCabe at the O’Higgins Commission. The proceedings were reported on 15 January 2018. The tribunal had heard that instructions were given to challenge McCabe’s motivation and credibility. Kenneth Ruane said that had not been the strategy before 11 May 2015.

Ruane said an allegation of sexual assault against McCabe was raised at a meeting on 11 May 2015 and conveyed to counsel for background information. He maintained that the meeting did not indicate instructions to challenge McCabe’s motivation on that basis. The report said the DPP’s investigation found no basis to the claims.

Annmarie Ryan told the tribunal that counsel for O’Sullivan advised challenging McCabe’s credibility before 15 May 2015. Further questions for Ryan were expected when the tribunal reconvened.

This case may have concluded differently. The outcome has not yet been confirmed by a public source we could find.