A Garda superintendent has been delegated to investigate alleged "incitement to hatred" allegations against a retired garda officer living in Co Mayo.
The former garda is claimed to have made "hateful" and "inflammatory" comments on local radio following the acquittal of Pádraig Nally by the Central Criminal Court last December of the manslaughter of John Ward on his farm nearly two and a half years ago.
During the radio interview, the ex-garda reportedly said he would have shot both John Ward and his son, Tom, if he had been Pádraig Nally. He went on to say that Mr Nally's acquittal on the manslaughter charge was "a great day for justice and for Ireland".
Of the deceased, John Ward, the radio caller reportedly described him as "a violent thug".
Following the broadcast on Mid West Radio, and the publication of the comments in the Star the following day, Ms Ann Costello of the Galway Traveller Movement made a complaint by letter and phone to senior officers at the Garda divisional office in Castlebar. She has since been informed that Supt William Keaveney has been appointed to investigate the matter.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the former garda, who is living in east Mayo, could face court charges for incitement.
Meanwhile, Mr Nally, who was acquitted of murder and manslaughter after two trials, may face a third court appearance. John Ward's widow, Marie, is seeking compensation from him for the loss of her husband in civil proceedings.