[Charlie Flanagan TD. Knife out of shot]

This isn’t either.

Further to the GSOC/Whistleblower crisis Charlie Flanagan, chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary party, appeared on Morning Ireland this morning to give his backing to justice minister Alan Shatter.

Sort of.

Fran McNulty: “I have read this transcript in full and there are a number of details in it and it has been indicated by Micheal Martin that there are a number of crimes detailed, there are sexual assaults, there are murders, there are abductions and kidnappings wouldn’t it be a matter of the most grave political consequences if it is found that these issues having been flagged up by a whistleblower haven’t been dealt with and people have suffered as a result? Wouldn’t the political consequences of this be very grave?”

Charlie Flanagan: “I agree. These are very disturbing and serious allegations of a very grave nature. The Taoiseach yesterday received a copy of the transcript from Micheal Martin, he is considering the matter, he will ensure that the detail is passed on the appropriate authorities, some of this I understand has already been examined by the whistleblower (sic) in any event but I haven’t seen the allegations let’s see what the allegations are first and lest, let’s ensure that we have due process but you can take it from me that no one in government will be sitting on any aspect of this.”

Fran McNulty: “Can I ask you, do you agree with the decision to sack Oliver Connolly?”

Charlie Flanagan: “It was quite clear having regard again to the release of a transcript of a conversation which was highly defamatory of the Minister of Justice that the position of the whistleblower (sic) was untenable and he had to go.”

Fran McNulty: “Was it a knee jerk reaction, because we heard [Garda whistleblower] John Wilson saying earlier that members of the Force now have nowhere to turn?”

Charlie Flanagan: “No, you see, a knee-jerk reaction, I heard criticism earlier that it took too long, so really, really, we are in a situation here where on the one hand the opposition is talking about the delay and on the other hand other commentators are talking about a knee-jerk reaction. The fact of the matter was that there must be an element of process here. Over the past week an investigation has taken place between officials in the Department of Justice and the Office of the Confidential Recipient, the Report was handed to the Taoiseach on Tuesday and the Recipient was relieved of his duties.”

Fran McNulty: “And his office is now vacant and members of the Force have nowhere to turn.”

Charlie Flanagan: “Well the Office was used on 12 occasions in a period of six years. The legislation – and already the Minister for Justice has indicated some time ago that he was not happy with functions and operation of the office, already that legislation, the Protective Disclosures legislation is at an advanced stage in the Dail. The Minister has indicated his amendment and there’s every reason Fran, with all party co-operation, that that legislation can be enacted within a couple of months.”

Fran McNulty: “What do you say in response to the commentary this morning that Mr Connolly was just a fall guy and attempt by the Minister for Justice to kill this story?”

Charlie Flanagan: “No I don’t believe he was, I believe it was clear that Mr Connolly made very, very serious allegations against the Minister for Justice of a highly defamatory nature and, his, his position was untenable.”

Listen here

It may be worth noting that  Alan Shatter has known about the contents of the McCabe/Connolly transcript since May 2013.

Yes.

Most odd.

Meanwhile: Eight Independent TDs call on Shatter to step down (Independent.ie)