Alan Shatter, Called for inquiry
The Government has ruled out a judicial inquiry into the early release from prison of the Dublin architect, Philip Sheedy. Mr Sheedy initially served one year of a four-year sentence for dangerous driving causing the death of a Dublin mother, Ann Ryan. His premature release led to a political controversy which resulted in the resignations of Supreme Court judge, Hugh O Flaherty, and a judge of the High Court, Cyril Kelly.
The call for an inquiry was made by Fine Gael in a private members motion in the Dáil. Their justice spokesman, Alan Shatter, said that it was time to restore public confidence in the justice system. He said that everyone in public life, including judges, should be publicly accountable for the manner in which they conduct themselves in public office.
However, the Minister for Justice, John O Donoghue, said that given the various inquiries which had been held into the Sheedy affair, another one would be extremely unlikely to uncover facts or motives so far not disclosed. Mr O Donoghue said that nobody could reasonably expect the tax-payer to fund an expensive inquiry on something approaching a "wing and a prayer" basis.
