25/03/2014

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan Resigns

Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins has responded to the "shock" resignation of Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan.

Mr Collins said it "is the latest depressing chapter in a crisis that has been going on for months".

He added: "It is a crisis of the Government's own making and stems from the absolute and ongoing failure of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Justice Minister Alan Shatter to show proper leadership on the issues.

"The Commissioner was left in a very difficult position and his resignation follows the unprecedented politicisation of his office by Minister Alan Shatter. The Minister needs to come in to the Dáil today and make a full statement on the matter.

"There will be some in Government who will hope that Commissioner Callinan's resignation draws a line under the crisis. They are wrong. The Commissioner's resignation actually throws into even sharper relief the abject failure of Alan Shatter to be accountable for the way in which he deliberately undermined the credibility of the whistleblowers and misled the public about their activities.

"It is important to acknowledge that Martin Callinan has had a very distinguished career as a member of An Garda Síochána and the country owes him a debt of gratitude for a lifetime of service."

(CD/JP)

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