Minister Shatter Not Solely Culpable - Sinn Féin

Following the announcement of the resignation of Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams, has raised questions of the backing that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste gave to Minister Shatter, and suggested that the Minister is alone in culpability over recent Garda controversies.

Mr Adams said: "This resignation comes as we await the outcome of separate investigations into the bugging controversy at the GSOC offices and claims of Garda malpractice by Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

"It also follows a period in which Minister Shatter’s judgement on a whole range of serious justice and policing issues has undermined public confidence in the administration of justice and the Gardai

"Minister Shatter has not merely presided over this recent series of controversies but is a central actor and the author of this litany of catastrophes.

"It was the Minister who decided to make derogatory remarks that undermined the two Garda whistleblowers, who misled the Dail, who allowed false statements to stand, correcting these only when politically expedient, who actively sought to minimise the concerns of GSOC that its offices were being bugged."

Gerry Adams also pointed out that in 2009, Enda Kenny tabled a motion of no confidence in Fianna Fail Defence Minister Willie O'Dea over his role defaming Sinn Féin council candidate Maurice Quinlivan.

"Although the same rationale should apply to Minister Shatter, he said that as recently as yesterday evening the Toaiseach and Tanaiste were fully supporting the Justice Minister.

"You, like Tammy Wynette, were standing by your man.

"If he hadn’t resigned he would still be your Minister for Justice. But this is bigger than the Minister. We have suggested that there needs to be a way of de-politicising these things and preventing these catastrophes, but you failed to do that. Minister Shatter is not the only culpable one."

(MH)