Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak in support of colleagues who have spoken on the assassination of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. It was a heinous crime and everyone should concentrate on bringing to justice the perpetrators. I commend the credit union on putting up the reward of ¤50,000 for information leading to the conviction of the criminals who shot dead this wonderful garda. I extend my sympathy to his family and to the Garda Síochána in general. Since first entering public life, my experience of the Garda Síochána has been that it is a courageous, honest and disciplined force. It is not and has never been corrupt. This has been my personal experience while working with members of the Garda Síochána in the community, within the community forum and the joint policing committee. I was nominated to contest the Seanad election by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, the Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Superintendents.

Apart from that, based on all the dealings I have had with the force over that period, I wish to refute any allegation that might have been made against the Garda Síochána. As someone from County Roscommon, I disassociate myself from any comments made about this wonderful unarmed and courageous police force. From County Roscommon alone, Garda Dick Fallon was assassinated, Garda Hand was murdered and Garda Morley and Garda Byrne were murdered by activists in the IRA while robbing banks in pursuit of their political objective. This is a fact and as for anyone who would imply they are corrupt in any shape or form, I hope some member of the force will take legal action on this matter and assert that the Garda is not corrupt. Moreover, the Garda organisations should take whatever action is required to ensure that the reputation of the force is of the highest standing. These comments should be withdrawn publicly.