Garda body challenges McDowell on 'bribes for stories' claim

The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, should either back up or withdraw his accusation that some journalists pay gardaí for stories, according to the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI).

The association's president, Mr Joe Dirwan, last night claimed the entire force had been tarnished by remarks made by the Minister on Tuesday.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said, "if the Minister cannot stand over his remarks it amounts to little more than gossip".

On Tuesday, Mr McDowell said some journalists believe it is their "God-given right" to bribe gardaí to leak information.

He referred to a newspaper article by Sunday Tribune journalist Diarmuid Doyle to support his statement. In a weekly column, Doyle claimed he knew of journalists who paid gardaí for information.

Mr McDowell is to introduce legislation allowing for fines or terms or imprisonment to be imposed on gardaí who leak information to the media.

Under the proposed Garda Síochána Bill 2003, gardaí will be penalised if they divulge official information gathered "by virtue of their office of employment". Gardaí found guilty of such charges will face penalties of a €3,000 fine, up to five years in jail, or a €30,000 fine if convicted on indictment.

Mr Dirwan said it was unacceptable that the Minister would use a newspaper columnist's statement to support such a serious suggestion.

"(The Minister) appears to be accepting the columnist's claim as fact. We are surprised and disappointed that someone with the legal background of the Minister should act in this way.

"The correct way forward now is for the Minister to order a full investigation to ascertain if these allegations are true or not. If they are proven to be false ... then the Minister should unreservedly withdraw the remarks."

GRA president Mr Mick Kirby said the Minister's comment was a "wild generalisation".

A spokesman for the Mr McDowell said the Minister had never suggested the practice of journalists paying gardaí for stories was widespread.