A retired detective sergeant has outlined the deteriorating relations in Buncrana Garda station during the 1990s.
Retired Det Sgt Jim Leheny told the tribunal that when he threatened Det Noel McMahon with disciplinary action over his drinking, Mr McMahon told him that Supt Lennon would not take any action against him as he "could have Supt Lennon suspended in 20 minutes".
Sgt Leheny felt it would be a "complete waste of time" to discipline Garda McMahon if Supt Lennon would not support him. When he informed Supt Lennon of what Garda McMahon had said, the superintendent asked him what allegation was being made. Sgt Leheny told him he did not know.
The next day in the computer room in the station, Sgt Leheny found a "letter of satisfaction", signed by detective Noel McMahon. In the letter, Garda McMahon states that he has no complaint about Supt Lennon.
Mr Leheny yesterday gave evidence for the second day to the tribunal, which is examining Garda activities in Donegal in the 1990s.
Suspended Supt Lennon would be an assistant commissioner today if he had not become involved with alleged Garda informer Ms Adrienne McGlinchey, the retired detective told the tribunal.
In the current module, the tribunal is examining allegations by Ms Adrienne McGlinchey that together with Det Noel McMahon and Supt Kevin Lennon she mixed explosives that were later used in bogus Garda finds of terrorist arms. Both men have denied those claims, and Ms McGlinchey denies she was an informer.
Allegations that Ms Adrienne McGlinchey was an IRA informer were "completely contrary to her family background," Mr Leheny said. "Her father was a senator, they were a very respectable family."
Mr Leheny denied committing a "serious assault" on Det McMahon in May 1996, but said that when McMahon told him "you will not give me any more orders. I do not give a f*** about you" in Buncrana Garda station, he lost control of his emotions and grabbed the detective by his lapel. He said he dragged Det McMahon from the public office to the front door of the station, and told him he would not tolerate his conduct.
In November 1996, Supt Lennon took away the detective's firearm and shotgun after Sgt Leheny expressed his concerns.
In February 1997, Supt Lennon was transferred to Letterkenny, and a few weeks later Det McMahon was sent there temporarily.
This transfer became permanent. The tribunal will resume on November 3rd.