Tánaiste: I fully back O’Sullivan to stay on in her job
TÁNAISTE Frances Fitzgerald says she has “full confidence” in Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan to remain in her role during the Disclosure Tribunal.
Mrs Fitzgerald also said she believes the ninemonth timeframe for the inquiry into claims about the mistreatment of Garda whistleblowers is “realistic”.
The tribunal is examining allegations of a smear campaign against whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe.
It has been claimed that Ms O’Sullivan was aware of the alleged campaign. Ms O’Sullivan has strongly denied this, but has faced calls from Opposition politicians to step aside from her job during the tribunal.
Policing Authority chairperson Josephine Feehily last week raised concerns about Ms O’Sullivan’s ability to run a complex organisation as well as meeting the tribunal’s demands.
Mrs Fitzgerald said she fully respected Ms Feehily’s remarks.
Mrs Fitzgerald added that it is “reassuring” for the public that the Policing Authority will continue to monitor the situation in relation to the Garda Commissioner “both meeting the tribunal’s demands and doing the very important work of leading An Garda Síochána”.
But Mrs Fitzgerald said: “I have full confidence in An Garda Commissioner to do her job and she has said that she has rejected all of the charges against her.
“I’ve consistently said as Minister for Justice that allegations are not convictions.”
Ms O’Sullivan has previously rejected suggestions that she should step aside, saying she made the decision “because I am innocent”.