Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can state quite categorically that I find the whole thing a complete mystery. I have absolutely no idea what Mr. Connolly was thinking. I have had very limited contact with Mr. Connolly in the context of his role as confidential recipient. I recalled from memory last evening, and there are no notes of this, that following receipt of his letter of 23 January 2012 there was a brief conversation in which he emphasised to me that these were important issues to be followed up. However, I did not have regular meetings with him. His job was to engage confidentially with members of An Garda Síochána.

To be frank, I am utterly astonished at some of the commentary that has now come into the public arena. I do not understand why he conducted himself in that way. He has a very good reputation as a sound lawyer and mediator. It remains as much of a surprise and mystery to me as I expect it should be to others. I cannot explain this. I can only say that it was an approach I regarded as untenable in the context of the important role of confidential recipient.

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