Solicitors acting for journalist Ian Bailey and a key witness in his libel action, Marie Farrell, have expressed concern over the manner in which senior Garda officers have begun a review of the investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.
Mr Bailey's solicitor, Frank Buttimer, confirmed yesterday he had sent a letter outlining his client's concerns to the Garda Commissioner, Noel Conroy, and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell over an unannounced visit to his client by gardaí.
Mr Buttimer said two senior officers in the review team called to Mr Bailey's home in Schull last Friday without an appointment and without prior contact with him as Mr Bailey's legal adviser.
"My client, Mr Bailey, told them politely that if they had anything to say to him, they should make contact through his solicitor. He is very concerned about the manner in which the investigation is being carried out," said Mr Buttimer.
Meanwhile, Marie Farrell's solicitor, Donal Daly, confirmed that members of the review team called on his client on Friday without making an appointment with her or contacting him.
"She referred them to me and I will be writing to both the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice expressing our concern," he said.