Bomb victim’s relative to challenge appointment of Garda Commissioner
Reading time: 1 minute
Drew Harris
The appointment of former PSNI deputy chief constable Drew Harris as the next Garda Commissioner is set to be challenged by the relative of a woman killed in a 1971 bombing in Belfast.
Ciarán MacAirt, grandson of Kathleen Irvine, said Mr Harris lacks the independence for the role given his past in the PSNI and the RUC.
Gerard Humphreys BL, representing Mr McAirt and instructed by McGeehin Toale Solicitors, said Mr Harris would possess information directly relevant to legacy investigations by gardaí, RTÉ News reports.
However, Mr Harris is bound by the UK’s Official Secrets Act and would not be able to pass this information on, in conflict with section 5 of the Garda Síochána Act.
Mr McAirt believes the investigation into the 1971 McGurk’s Bar bombing which killed his grandmother has been frustrated by the PSNI to cover up collusion.
The application for leave for judicial review will be heard by Ms Justice Miriam O’Regan in the High Court tomorrow.
Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter to not miss articles like this one:
SUBSCRIBE
