‘STATE MUST NOT PAY’ CALLINAN LEGAL FEES
SF hits out as Leo promises review
LEO Varadkar revealed yesterday the State representation offered to Martin Callinan in July is being reviewed.
The Taoiseach said the fact legal assistance was provided to the former Garda Commissioner did not mean the State would pay for the defence or that there would be a defence.
Speaking in the Dail yesterday, he added: “I would like to see this case settled and I hope it can be settled to the satisfaction of Maurice Mccabe and [his wife] Lorraine sooner rather than later.”
Mr Varadkar said he had asked the Attorney General to examine whether Mr Callinan or former Garda press officer
David Taylor could be pursued for a contribution to any damages that may be paid. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou Mcdonald called on the Government to ensure taxpayers do not end up footing the legal costs of the ex-garda Commissioner implicated in a damning report on corruption in the force.
She said “not one red cent” of State money should be spent defending Mr Callinan in the case being taken by Garda whistle- blower Mr Mccabe. A former sergeant who retired from the force last month after being vindicated in an investigation, Mr Mccabe initiated a civil case against the State and his former boss.
Ms Mcdonald said: “It has emerged in recent days it is in fact the State who will pay Mr Callinan’s legal fees, the State, with
DAIL YESTERDAY
taxpayers’ money. This is outrageous. Martin Callinan is a man who went around telling people falsely and without any foundation that Maurice Mccabe was a child sex abuser who should not be trusted.
“For daring to speak out and for putting his head above the parapet, Maurice was smeared and he was bullied by fellow members of An Garda Siochana.
“He was the subject of the most despicable type of character assassination imaginable.”
Ms Mcdonald added it was “simply not acceptable” that the State represent Mr Callinan.
She said: “Setting out to destroy Maurice Mccabe was his [Mr Callinan’s] doing and he should face the consequences of his action.”
It has emerged the State will pay Mr Callinan’s legal fees... this is outrageous
MARY LOU MCDONALD