Labour statement blunder

LABOUR chiefs have played down the confusion surrounding shocking allegations made by party leader Brendan Howlin as he intervened in the Garda scandal this week.

After Mr Howlin’s Dáil speech on Tuesday, the party issued a statement containing previously unheard allegations. Later, the statement was retracted and a statement omitting the claims was dispatched.

When contacted by the Irish Mail on Sunday last night, the Labour press office played down the episode. The first statement was sent in error, a spokesman said. Mr Howlin had spoken to Sgt McCabe several times in recent days, and was happy Mr Howlin raised the issue. ‘Our concern now is that the truth is established through a comprehensive Commission of Investigation.’