Callinan is called to give evidence at tribunal into dismissal of journalist

EX-GARDA commissioner Martin Callinan has been called to give evidence at an employment appeals tribunal that will hear journalist Gemma O’Doherty’s unfair dismissal case against her former employer.

Ms O’Doherty is expected to allege that she was reprimanded and ultimately made redundant by the Irish Independent after visiting Mr Callinan’s home to ask him if he had had penalty points erased after he was detected speeding.

He was not at home when she called but later said the cancellation of penalty points was justified as he had been on official duty at the time.

Mr Callinan, pictured below, retired in March as pressure on him mounted over his refusal to withdraw a description of two garda whistleblowers’ actions as ‘disgusting’. A source at the tribunal confirmed that an official summons was issued during the week and sent by express recorded delivery to Mr Callinan’s home in Glasnevin. His attendance will be his first opportunity to give evidence at a public hearing since his retirement. Friday’s tribunal hearing comes in advance of Ms O’Doherty’s pending High Court actions for defamation and personal damages against her former employer.

She is being represented by lawyer Paul Tweed in the High Court actions. He has represented singers Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears, actor Liam Neeson and developer Seán Dunne.

Solicitor Kieran Kelly said the tribunal hearing would go ahead next Friday and that he will be representing Independent News & Media.

Efforts to contact Mr Callinan this weekend were unsuccessful.