Politicians should not learn of court charges in media, says Labour TD

Labour TD Michael McNamara has said politicians facing criminal charges should not learn about them in the media.

Mr McNamara raised the matter with the Taoiseach on the Order of Business in the Dáil on Wednesday.

“It is interesting to learn today that Deputy Conlan is to be charged with a criminal offence,” said Mr McNamara.

Media reports on Tuesday disclosed that Cavan-Monaghan TD Seán Conlan, who has resigned from Fine Gael, is expected to be charged in relation to an alleged assault in a pub.

Mr McNamara said it came on top of learning in the media that other TDs were being charged with criminal offences.

“Fine Gael prides itself on being the party of law and order,” he added.

“It is very important that an impression is not created whereby those who are perceived to oppose the Government, or members of it, advertently or otherwise, learn of criminal charges against them in the media.”

Mr McNamara asked when the independent policing authority would be established to sever the direct links between the Government and policing, “because this is discrediting An Garda Síochána at this stage’’.

Mr Kenny replied: “I do not get the deputy’s drift.’’

Mr McNamara said there was a perception of political policing.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald intervened to describe the Labour TD’s assertion as “nonsense”.

Mr Kenny said he expected to have the legislation setting up the authority passed by the Dáil before the Christmas recess.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin asked Mr McNamara if he was implying there were deliberate leaks.

“I read the newspapers,’’ replied Mr McNamara.