Leo Varadkar

[Fulvio_From_Aughnacloy]

The Tainiste is under criminal investigation and refusing to step aside.

[ChairmanDan]

It was reported in the Sunday papers yesterday that the matter was with the DPP. I believe it was correct to report that. The usual collection of screaming Nuala’s here seemed very put out that it wasn’t dissected on the Sunday morning airwaves. They seem to struggle with concepts of separation of powers, the role of the DPP as an independent prosecutor, due process and the rule of law.

[binkybarnes]

@iron_mike

No. A complaint was made. Once a complaint is made afaik the guards are obliged to investigate. It doesn’t matter a fuck where it comes from

It’s been upgraded from a Garda ‘scoping exercise’ to a Garda criminal investigation. Obviously Sinn Fein calling in favours with Drew. No other explanation for it.

[binkybarnes]

@ChairmanDan

They seem to struggle with concepts of separation of powers, the role of the DPP as an independent prosecutor, due process and rule of law.

Heather Humphries the incoming Minister for Justice is obviously struggling with these concepts too

[ChairmanDan]

You don’t recognise the State that he’s Deputy Prime Minister of. Odd that you’re getting so hot and bothered by it all.

[Biff_Egan]

Vincent Browne (vincentbrowne)

VB is an equal opportunities attack dog to be fair to him

[the_man_himself]

#vinb is a great man. He’ll have a go at anyone

[Massey]

Leo has admitted his crime tbf

[ChairmanDan]

What crime has Leo committed?

[TheUlteriorMotive]

SFIRA would sort this in half an hour in the bathroom of a terraced house.

[count_of_monte_crist]

As pointed out Leo has the benefit of the presumption of innocence.

Perhaps he should step aside, I can’t recall of anything such as this previously, but if he steps aside and is not charged it will be seen as massive victory by his supporters and we will have to endure him in the public eye far longer.

[Ashman]

Some 360 when the shinners are demanding action on someone who was grassed up to the cops .

[maroonandwhite]

What’s the alleged crime? Official secrets act?

[Fulvio_From_Aughnacloy]

What presumption of innocence. He’s admitted leaking the document. His defence is fairytale stuff that has zero credibility.

[count_of_monte_crist]

Section 7 (2) of the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018 is probably what he will be charged with of he is charged.

The official secrets act doesn’t not apply to Oireachtais members so he dodged that bullet.

7. (1) An Irish official who, either directly or indirectly, by himself or herself or with another person, does an act in relation to his or her office, employment, position or business for the purpose of corruptly obtaining a gift, consideration or advantage for himself or herself or for any other person, shall be guilty of an offence.
(2) An Irish official who uses confidential information obtained in the course of his or her office, employment, position or business for the purpose of corruptly obtaining a gift, consideration or advantage for himself or herself or for any other person shall be guilty of an offence.

[Fulvio_From_Aughnacloy]

I like Vincent Browne.

He was a fantastic interviewer and really grilled his interviewees but Martin McGuinness absolutely destroyed him here.

Heated Confrontation between Martin McGuinness and Vincent Browne, June 1997

[mikehunt]

In fairness to Jerry he wasn’t stupid enough to admit his guilt in public.

[ChairmanDan]

Does it carry a custodial sentence?

[artfoley]

@count_of_monte_crist

There most definitely is a story but reporting an investigation contemporaneously is not great practice.

Neither is it a good look when the minister of justice says that no offence was committed, whilst the investigation was ongoing

[Juhniallio]

@ChairmanDan

It was reported in the Sunday papers yesterday that the matter was with the DPP. I believe it was correct to report that. The usual collection of screaming Nuala’s here seemed very put out that it wasn’t dissected on the Sunday morning airwaves. They seem to struggle with concepts of separation of powers, the role of the DPP as an independent prosecutor, due process and the rule of law.

It’s good to have a lad as clued in about the law as yourself around here. Like when you explained how Woulfie would be gone in a flash but big Phil would keep his job no bother.