Cross-examination delays Morris tribunal

An exacting question-and-answer session between two garda superintendents continued today at another session of the Morris Tribunal into alleged Garda corruption.

An exacting question-and-answer session between two garda superintendents continued today at another session of the Morris Tribunal into alleged Garda corruption.

The officers were initially locked in a five-hour confrontation at yesterday’s sitting of the inquiry – headed by former High Court President Mr Justice Frederick Morris – with key witness Superintendent Tom Long undergoing a detailed cross-examination at the hands of his currently suspended colleague Superintendent Kevin Lennon.

Much of today’s tribunal’s proceedings – marking the fourth day of the hearing of direct evidence from witnesses – was held up for technical reasons.

And because of that, the keenly-anticipated appearance of Sheenagh McMahon - the estranged wife of a garda – whose claims about improper Garda activity have been largely responsible for the tribunal’s establishment, was delayed until next week.

The three-hour-long hold-up was prompted when new documentation was submitted on behalf of Mrs McMahon that related to the on-going exchanges between the senior garda personnel, with tribunal officials requiring time to study the fresh paperwork.

Mrs McMahon’s allegations centre on claims that her husband Noel and Superintendent Lennon, together with one-time garda informant Adrienne McGlinchey mixed explosives in a shed beside the McMahon home in Co Donegal, and that the material was later planted and subsequently “found” in successful, but bogus garda strikes against terrorism.

Earlier this week, the tribunal heard that Ms McMahon had been in fear of her life because of the statement she made about the explosives and that she had “hated” the currently-suspended-from-duty Superintendent Lennon because he had “destroyed” her husband’s career.

Superintendent Lennon, who is currently involved in a courtroom bid to secure legal costs, but at present has no lawyer to speak for him at the tribunal, was granted permission to carry out the cross-examination of Superintendent Long personally.

The tribunal has heard that Superintendent Lennon has maintained he has been “the victim of both circumstances and of the malicious personalities” of gardai in Co Donegal.

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