THERE was widespread anger among senior gardai in Cork yesterday at suggestions that an investigation into corruption in one Garda division in the city had been carried out at the highest level.
One of the most senior officers in the city, who asked not to be named, told The Irish Times that the sequence of events was as follows:
"A garda who was accused of sexual misconduct was dismissed from the force. He is appealing that dismissal. He then made allegations against other members of the force and about a week ago was interviewed by Chief Supt Sean Camon, who was appointed by the Garda Commissioner to investigate complaints against gardai on a national basis.
"The dismissed garda failed to substantiate any of these allegations and, accordingly, there was no further action taken. It is absolutely erroneous to suggest, as has been suggested, that an investigation lasting six weeks was carried out in Cork. Why should there be an investigation if the accuser is unable to substantiate the allegations or put his name to a written complaint?"
The Garda source went on: "I want to make it clear beyond any doubt that no member of the force in Cork was interviewed by Chief Supt Camon in relation to the wider allegations of corruption, nor is any member's reputation under a cloud.
"The Garda who was dismissed attempted to impugn the reputation of all gardai in Cork for his own reasons and I can only guess what those might be. I can tell you that there is great anger here because we enjoy excellent relations with the people of Cork. As far as we are concerned, an attempt has been made to blackmail all gardai working in the area, but the attempt has failed no member's character is under question."
CALLS on the Government to provide more resources for gardai fighting drug pushers and for Dublin Corporation to develop more amenities in Ballymun were made at a peaceful "antidrug pushers" demonstration in the area last night.
A number of speakers at the demonstration stressed the harm being caused by pushers. This would not be tolerated any longer, the protesters heard.
The crowd of some 500 people marched through the Ballymun flats area chanting "pushers out, pushers out".
The demonstration was organised by the newly formed Ballymun Community Links Against Drugs Committee, which represents the Ballymun flats complex.
Mr Sean O Cionnaith, secretary of the committee, said that the poison of drugs was destroying families. They needed the full force of the gardai and the corporation to get the pushers out.
Mr O Cionnaith also said that the corporation should provide more facilities and amenities for the young. About 60 per cent of the people of Ballymun were unemployed and Government help was badly needed.
Dr Bill Tormey, a member of the committee, said that the Eastern Health Board's waiting list for treatment for drugs was completely unacceptable. "We are giving them six weeks to sort this out, otherwise we will picket their headquarters", he added.
. A Garda spokesman said that a second march by anti drug campaigners, from Darndale to the Garda station in Coolock, broke up shortly before 11 p.m. without incident.