THE Garda Representative Association has called for a full inquiry into the behaviour of gardai in the Flannery case after the collapse of the trial yesterday.
The general secretary, Mr John Ferry, said he was shocked at the "awful condemnation" of Superintendent Patrick J. Brennan.
"I expect the matter to be fully investigated so that this can never happen again," he said. Such an investigation was in the interests of democracy and of justice.
Mr Ferry said the question of suspension from the force pending the investigation was a matter for Garda management.
"I believe ff any member of the Garda Siochana was found to be guilty of such misbehaviour, I should not want him to be a member of my association or of the force," he said.
Internal inquiries had always been in depth and this one should be as comprehensive. "The object must be to ensure that policemen are above reproach," he said.
Mr Ferry said the comments made by Mr Justice Barr that the trial had been irreparably damaged because of the "mendacious" conduct of investigating gardai were "shattering".
Mr Justice Barr said the conduct of the police officers involved, under a senior officer, was "as saddening as it is reprehensible". He said Supt Brennan and his team had consistently and deliberately resorted to a policy, the objective of which was to deprive the accused man of his constitutional right to a fair trial in accordance with the law.
Mr Ferry said he believed the collapse of the Cork case would damage the public perception of the force.
"I know it will upset the confidence of the public in the Garda Siochana. Some of our colleagues have given their lives to uphold law and order. This cannot be allowed to happen," he said.
The Garda Press office refused to comment on the case last night, other than to say an internal investigation had been ordered by the Commissioner and it was likely that the inquiry would now be extended.
It is not known when the inquiry will be complete or how many gardai are involved in the investigation.