Fianna Fáil’s Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins has expressed incredulity at the news that the Government will appoint a barrister to review the material that the Taoiseach has had since last week to help them decide whether to hold a proper independent inquiry into the allegations.
Deputy Collins commented, “This latest development is, quite simply, unbelievable. Almost one full week ago the Taoiseach was sent a dossier of some very serious incidents that point to very serious problems with the administration of justice. In the first instance, the Taoiseach acknowledged the gravity of what he had been given. Unfortunately, there seems to have been a process of minimisation and misdirection ever since. This has culminated this afternoon in an unbelievably weak response. What is the Government trying to hide?
“The Government should not need a Senior Counsel to advise on what is the right thing to do. The Government’s effort seems to have moved from getting to the truth, to establishing a method to avoid a thorough examination. This falls far short of what is needed and will only serve to further undermine public confidence. Today’s news is deeply disappointing.”