by Bernie English bernie@limerickpost.ie
THE INTERNAL Garda investigation into why no charges were brought against City Mayor Jerry O’Dea following an accident in which it was claimed he was over the drink-driving limit will be completed before the end of the month, the Limerick Post has learned.
And, contrary to initial reports, sources have revealed that no member of the force was suspended after details of the incident first emerged.
Meanwhile calls have been made for a statement from the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner following confirmation that the Fianna Fáil councillor, who has served as metropolitan mayor since last June , will face no charges.
Anti Austerity Alliance councillor Cian Prendiville said: “There must be full statements now from the Garda Commissioner and the Minister from Justice on how a member of the political establishment could apparently get off scott free for such a serious offence.
“All the relevant information should be published, so the public can get the answers for themselves. I find it hard to believe this is simply ‘human error’; it reeks of cronyism and political favouritism. There are serious questions here, and they won’t go away until we have answers.”
Councillor Prendiville had previously tried and failed to have this issue discussed at Council meetings. On one occasion it was suggested that he should be removed from the chamber if he continued to raise the issue. He has had two motions on the matter ruled out of order, and the council even refused to record the debate in the minutes. He is now calling for the Council to discuss this issue.
“I will be raising that the council must be given an opportunity to discuss this issue, and should support the call for answers on how this happened,” Cllr Prendeville said.
Mayor O’Dea could not be reached for comment at time of going to press.
At the time, Mayor O’Dea said the accident happened as he had swerved to avoid a car which had left the scene by the time the emergency services arrived.
His only official statement on the matter said: ““Following the accident, I cooperated fully with an Garda Siochana and subsequently made no further contact with an Garda Siochana about the issue.
“In early May 2015 I was informed there would be no action against me I consider the matter closed,” his statement concluded.
