AN INTERNAL Garda investigation is under way into allegations that the media were tipped off about a "raid" on the offices of a leading Dublin law firm, M.E. Hanahoe & Company.
The Incorporated Law Society of Ireland yesterday condemned "the Garda tip off to the media which ensured that press photographers and reporters actually arrived [at the offices] in advance of gardai". The society is writing a complaint to the Garda Commissioner, Mr Patrick Byrne.
During Thursday's visit, gardai with a warrant removed conveyancing files relating to properties owned by one of the company's clients.
In its statement yesterday the Law Society said: "It might reasonably be concluded that this leak was calculated to create a media circus which could seriously damage the reputation of the solicitors firm concerned."
The statement added: "Lest there be any doubt whatsoever, the Law Society wants to make it clear that the law firm of Michael E. Hanahoe & Co and all the solicitors in that firm have always been and remain in perfectly good standing with the Society."
The society and the company said the firm co operated fully with the Garda investigation and the terms of its warrant under the Criminal Justice Act of 1994.
In a press statement, M.E. Hanahoe said the Garda visit to its offices was not, as reported in various media and as apparently stated by the Garda Press Office, linked to the murder of the journalist Veronica Guerin.
"This visit was solely in connection with property transactions by two named clients and was made on foot of a warrant issued under recent money laundering legislation. There was no mention in the warrant or by the gardai concerned of the very regrettable murder of Ms Guerin."
There was no comment from the Garda Press Office.