Local Fine Gael TD finds latest Garda revelations 'startling' but says calls for Justice Minister to resign are premature

The Justice Minister’s insisting he’s not guilty of inaction on the secret recording of phone calls in Garda stations.

Alan Shatter says it’s of concern that the practice was in place – and for so long.

But the Opposition says it’s simply not credible that the Minister continues to refuse to accept responsibility.

Meanwhile Carlow Kilkenny Fine Gael Deputy Pat Deering says he was very taken aback by the Commissioners announcement that he was retiring yesterday morning.

And the local TD has described the latest controversy about the recording of phone-calls as ‘startling’.

But he says calls for the Justice Minister to follow Martin Callinan and resign are premature.