Garda organisations and a number of individuals will learn on Friday if they have been granted legal representation at the Morris tribunal. Mr Justice Morris reserved his decision on a number of applications made yesterday when the tribunal moved to Dublin.
Solicitor Mr Tom Murphy sought representation on behalf of Det Noel McMahon, Garda John Nicholson, Garda John O'Dowd and Garda Patrick Mulligan, and on behalf of the Garda Representative Association. They were referred to extensively in the opening statement of counsel for the tribunal over the past two weeks in Donegal.
For the GRA, Mr Murphy said this tribunal was unique in that it had the power to examine Garda operational and policy matters. "The association has and regards itself as having a role in relation to seeking to assist with submissions and recommendations where policy might be affected."
He said the central executive committee of the GRA had agreed to offer every co-operation to the tribunal and had decided to maintain a presence throughout the proceedings. It was seeking limited representation without counsel.
Barrister Mr Conal Bradley said he was seeking representation for Garda Tina Fowley. He read a letter from the Assistant Commissioner, Mr Fachtna Murphy, to Garda Fowley, which said the commissioner would be seeking representation for gardaí asked to appear before the tribunal, but not for her.
Garda Fowley was suspended the day after the Court of Criminal Appeal granted the appeal of Donegal club-owner, Mr Frank Shortt, against conviction for allowing drugs to be sold on his premises. She was challenging her suspension in the High Court.
Barrister Mr Marcus Dowling sought representation on behalf of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors for 25 gardaí of that rank mentioned in the opening statement to the tribunal.
Barrister Mr Seán Ó Síocháin sought representation for Mr John Bovaird who, he said, had suffered harassment over 20 years, including 500 summonses, checkpoints outside his house and "watching and besetting" on the part of a number of gardaí.
Mr Eamon Leahy SC said he appeared for the Garda Commissioner and would be seeking representation on the part of a number of named gardaí. However, he would not have the complete list for two weeks. Representation was also sought for Mr Paul Gallagher, Mr Seán Crossan, Ms Caitríona Brolly, Ms Karen McGlinchey and Mr Kieran Waldron.