Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
INDEPENDENT TD MICK Wallace is set to file a complaint to the Standards in Public Office Commission today accusing the justice minister of misusing information.
Meanwhile, speaking in Boston, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he gave his full support to Alan Shatter.
The row between the deputy and minister stemmed from an appearance on RTÉ’s Prime Time. The two were guests discussing the Garda inquiry into alleged abuse of the penalty points deletion system, when Shatter alleged that Wallace had himself been cautioned for driving while using a mobile phone, but was the benefit of Garda discretion and avoided penalty points as a result.
Wallace insists he is unaware of the incident, and said a fixed charge notice was never issued to him.
The Wexford TD said he would be making a complaint alleging that Shatter’s comments were in breach of the legally binding code of conduct for people elected to public office.
In response, Shatter said he upheld his view and added that Wallace was “making a pretence for political purposes”.
Enda Kenny told RTÉ News that he fully supported his minister for justice 100 per cent:
“I think what the minister is been pointing out here is that people can’t have it both ways. You cannot be saying no discretion and at the same time availing of discretion.”
Two Fine Gael Ministers, Richard Bruton and Brian Hayes also came out in support of the justice minister, while opposition TDs continue to criticise his allegations.
The row is set to rumble on today.
Labour Deputy Kevin Humphreys told Newstalk Breakfast this morning that he wanted to know how the minister acquired the information. He also questioned its relevance to data protection.
Humphreys is calling on Shatter to explain how he received the information, whether it is by coming before the house and explaining the issue, or answering in a parliamentary question. The deputy has put down two Dáil questions on the issue for the minister.
He said he thought it was “poor judgement” on the minister’s part, which needs to be explained. Humphreys added that he feared that the incident could start a precedent.
Amnesty and others should be ashamed of themselves coming out with this kind of gift wrapped propaganda for Russia, theres only one side commiting war crimes and it aint Ukraine
@Buí agus Gorm: The rules of international humanitarian law are there to protect everyone. If you deny one side’s responsibilities you open up the Pandoras box. And a breach of international humanitarian law is not necessarily a war crime. War crimes are reserved for serious breaches. And you are right: the only war crimes that I have seen have come from the Russian side. But Amnesty should not be ashamed for standing up for international law.
@Nicholas McMurry: every rule is being broken by Russia who cares about the Russian pow’s getting a bit of a video taken of them they are getting off lightly.
@Nicholas McMurry: agreed. To put it simply, two wrongs don’t make a right.
Hang on a minute, they are not POW’s as Herr Putin has said it is not a “war”
I wonder if “organised” groups like paid Syrian mercenaries or Chechen terrorists are to be treated as POW’s? Given their track records of brutality and human rights abuses, they should be shot out of hand.
@Paul Shepherd: mercenaries are not entitled to combatant nor prisoners of war status afforded under the Geneva Convention. As for ‘terrorists’ if they are members of a local opposition, clearly identifiable and openly carrying weapons they are entitled to such status.
@D. Memery: I’m sure their victims will be relieved that their human rights will be respected.
@Paul Shepherd: perhaps you should direct your critism at the authors of the convention and the International Red Cross so! If you read the link you will note that although mercenaries are not entitled the combatant status they are permitted to be detained and tried for any crimes committed under civilian law.
If some dude came to my country and attacked my family n friends and then I captured him. I wouldn’t be caring if some yolk from the UN thought filming him was degrading. To be honest i probably wouldnt be keeping him alive in the first place.
@Rob Gale: What is the point in defending our values if we don’t have any?
I’m sorry but did Russia worry about all the innocents they have killed in cold blood? Women, children, the old and the sick. And those soldiers looked like middle Eastern blokes that joined up.
@Roy Dowling: oh b1. te me you @$$ wipe. I’m not gender biased I’m on the side of those unable to defend themselves. Why are there such €€jits here making such immature uneducated comments in the middle of a conflict.
@Anna Carr: hopefully I’ll never get close enough to you to b1.te you. People like you are why are to the problems of this world. You expect all men capable to defend themselves but no women are capable to defend themselves. Makes it more gender bias on your side.
I think Ukraine needs to take the high ground and not engage in tactics Putin would use.
Civilians didn’t sign up to the Geneva convention to protect Russian invaders. When this goes full guerilla warfare those sad phone calls will be public executions.
The general perception is that Putin started a war. I would suggest cautiously that Putin started an invasion. By way of Ukraine’s defence, a war began. Compare this war to the US troops exiting Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda (although already largely present with the country) carried out an invasion. Not a war. While I admire Zelenskyy’s bravery and hope the best for him, I can’t help but think he’s not being realistic in meeting Putin halfway. That Ireland voted to fast-track Ukraine into the EU will only stoke the fire. But then Ireland is just an EU provincial government. France / Netherlands who both vetoed the move is a tad more realistic.
have your say