Adams criticises Taoiseach over Omeath murder inquiry response

LOUTH Sinn Féin TD Gerry Adams has strongly criticised the refusal of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to support the call for a public inquiry into the murder of a garda in Omeath.

The call for the inquiry has been made by the Phillips family who are seeking more information about the series of events which led to the murder of Garda Tony Golden, the attempted murder of Siobhán Phillips and the death by suicide of the perpetrator Crevan Macken in Omeath in 2015.

Speaking after he raised the case directly with the Taoiseach during Leaders Questions today, Teachta Adams said: “This is a very serious matter. Crevan Macken was arrested for the possession of weapons and explosives, which he admitted to.

“Despite some detectives knowing he had access to four other weapons, he was released without being charged with these offences.

“Was it one of these weapons that he used to murder Garda Golden and severally injure Siobhan Phillips?

“I have been raising this case with this government, and the previous administration, for over two years.

“I have been fobbed-off.

“It is not enough to say that there are ongoing processes.

“I asked the Taoiseach and the Justice Minister to speak to the Acting Garda Commissioner as a matter of urgency.

“I asked him to meet with the family of Siobhan Phillips and asked him to establish a public inquiry as the family has requested.

“These are very reasonable and appropriate asks given the contents of the file I sent to The Taoiseach. It beggars belief, if he has actually read the file, that he would refuse my requests.

“His refusal further highlights Teachta Varadkar's failure to provide leadership and accountability on fundamental matters which are centre to the dysfunction at the heart of our justice system.”