Gardai investigate destruction of Harney's car in Ballsbridge

A FILE has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions as part of the Garda investigation into a fire which destroyed the…

A FILE has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions as part of the Garda investigation into a fire which destroyed the car of the Progressive Democrats leader, Ms Mary Harney, outside her home.

The destruction by fire of Ms Harney's car early yesterday morning was the second such incident in 17 months. Her last car was also destroyed by fire during the early hours outside her home in Ballsbridge.

Dublin Fire Brigade fought the blaze after a neighbour raised the alarm shortly after 6 a.m. A Garda spokesman confirmed the car was completely burned out and that it was later taken to Irishtown Garda station for forensic examination.

A 19-year-old man, whom gardai said was from south Dublin, was arrested in "an incident" in Oaklands Park near where Ms Harney lives, shortly after the car was found burning.

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He was held for questioning before being released at 4 p.m. yesterday and a file was subsequently sent to the DPP.

Ms Harney, who is understood to have been deeply upset by the incident, did not comment on the matter.