THE Association of Higher Civil Servants yesterday repudiated a statement issued in its name a week ago, which expressed support for the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen.
Last night, the association said its November 8th statement "did not have the approval of the executive committee and does not represent AHCS policy. The executive committee reaffirms that the association is apolitical and, as a matter of policy, neither forms nor expresses views on the merits of any Minister."
"The executive committee expresses its apologies to the Government and opposition parties for the intrusion into the political arena. The executive committee expresses its full confidence in the general secretary and officials of the association."
The November 8th statement, believed to have emanated from members inside the Department, provoked criticism from Fianna Fail. The new statement will be perceived by some union members as leaving their colleagues in the Department appearing isolated during the Cromien inquiry.