Yearly Archives: 2017

File photo. Garda Whistle Blower Story. The Government is in its most serious crisis since its formation, over the treatment of garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe and his family. As the story unfolds, it is dragging more and more politicians, ministers and institutions into its web of deceit. It is now possible that the Government could fall before the Commission of Inquiry gets off the ground. Prominent whistleblower, Sgt Maurice McCabe has claimed he was targeted in a smear campaign by senior members of the Garda. He is supported in his claims by the former head of the Garda Press Office, Superintentent David Taylor. End. 15/9/2014. Under Pressure. Garda Interim Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, under pressure as she responds to media questions regarding the latest claims by garda whistle blower SGt Maurice McCabe that there have been furter garda abuses of the penalty points system. They were speaking as the minister arrived at the Garda College in Templemore in County Tipperary to meet new recruits. Photo Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

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From top: Garda Commissioner Nóirin O’Sullivan; Senator Michael McDowell

This morning.

In the Seanad.

Senator McDowell said that Ms O’Sullivan should step aside “for the duration of the tribunal until it has reported, or permanently’’.

Mr McDowell said it was totally inconceivable that officers, including senior officers of a disciplined force, should be asked in public to accuse the person in charge of them of grave misbehaviour in evidence to a public inquiry.

He said it would be difficult for them to instruct counsel to cross-examine that person as to her honestly, reliability and suitability for office.

Mr McDowell said the public should not be judge and jury in the matter.

“However, the rights of all persons and the public to fairness come first,’’ he added. “The determination that the commissioner should remain in place during the tribunal is neither fair, nor appropriate nor defensible.”

Michael McDowell calls on Garda Commissioner to stand aside (Irish Times)

Previously: How Did he Get Here?

Rollingnews

SaraBaume1 [Sarah Davis-Goff]

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Enjoy the written word?

The first guests for this year’s West Cork Literary Festival were unveiled earlier  this week, with a collection of national and international names appearing at the event, running July 14-21 in Bantry.

Louise Kearney writes:

Colm Tóibín, Anne Enright, Mike McCormack, Sara Baume (pictured) and Alissa Nutting are just some of the guests announced for the  West Cork Literary Festival, which runs in venues all over Bantry, West Cork, from July 14th to 21st.

Poetry is again well represented with the new Ireland Chair of Poetry 2016-2019, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Paula Meehan, former Ireland Chair of Poetry (2013-2016), and former editor of Poetry Ireland Vona Groarke.

Since the Festival’s inception in the late 1990s workshops have been at its heart, encouraging both novice and experienced writers. Dean Bakopoulos, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Vona Groarke, Lara Marlowe, Dave Lordan, John Spillane, and Phoebe Smith are among those facilitating workshops.

From Writing a Novel to Investigative Reporting Techniques, Playwriting to Poetry, there is a workshop to suit every aspiring, or established writer, looking to spend time in beautiful Bantry honing their craft.

West Cork Literary Festival