Tánaiste Says Clare And Limerick Gardaí "Deserve Explanation" After Six Year Probe

The Tánaiste says he believes there should be an inquiry into the charges brought against eleven Midwest Gardaí, including three with Clare links, who were accused of perverting the course of justice. Four defendants, along with a retired superintendent, were found not guilty in January in the long-running case relating to the alleged termination of tickets for road traffic offences. Three additional Gardaí in the Limerick division, who were due to stand trial on similar charges, were yesterday informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that all charges against them are being dropped. The Justice Minister yesterday told the Dáil that an inquiry wouldn't be in "anyone's best interest." Labour TD Alan Kelly once again told the Dáil this lunchtime that lives have been "destroyed" as a result of the investigation. In response, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he agrees with the Taoiseach that an inquiry should be held and that the Gardaí involved "deserve an explanation."