Other News In Brief

Sinn Féin Calls For Support In X Case Legislation

Sinn Féin has said it hopes that other parties will support its Dáil motion tomorrow calling for legislation to be introduced immediately on the X case.

On RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said the objective of the motion was not to be party political.

She said it was intended to give a clear public indication that members of the Oireachtas were "prepared to act, prepared to legislate and not prepared to delay any further" on the issue.

RTÉ Staff Discilpned Over Presidential Debate

The Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs has confirmed disciplinary action has been taken against some members of current affairs staff following programmes broadcast last year.

Kevin Bakhurst said RTÉ has accepted all the points made in the independent report, commissioned by RTÉ, and has already implemented the recommendations.

He admitted a lack of resources may have been a factor in how The Frontline's presidential debate format was designed, but pledged the "gold standard" way will be used in future.

Mr Bakhurst repeated his apology to Seán Gallagher and the other candidates.

No Evidence Of A Cover-Up In Murdered Priest Case

One of Ireland's most experienced detectives last night challenged garda claims that there is no evidence of a cover-up in the case of murdered priest Fr Niall Molloy.

Gerry O'Carroll, who worked on more than 80 murder cases, was responding to a story in yesterday's Irish edition of the ‘Sunday Times’.

It said the Garda Cold Case Unit had “found no evidence to support allegations of a cover-up by gardai, politicians or judges”.

But Mr O’Carroll said: “The Molloy case is the only one that I can put my hand on my heart and say was a massive cover-up.

“The Phoenix Park (garda HQ) tried to silence me when I got vital evidence about the case and attempted to investigate it myself.

“Two superintendents came in and searched my office. I told them nobody would silence me. When I joined the guards, I swore an oath of office that I would do my work without fear, favour, malice or ill-will.

“The gardai have a mountain of evidence. It must be taken out of their hands immediately and the Government must set up a judicial inquiry into this horrendous case.

“I want to get justice for Fr Molloy whose poor body was not only wrecked but whose reputation was tarnished for ever by a cock and bull story. The whole thing stinks to high heaven.”

(H)