Ministers and TDs within the Irish government are reportedly focusing on a key difference in how Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Tánaiste Simon Harris have addressed the issue of Garda whistleblowers, particularly concerning the investigation into the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. This divergence in public statements could create difficulties for Minister O'Callaghan.
While Minister O'Callaghan confirmed he was referring the matter of the holsters and Det Garda Horkan to Fiosrú, the Garda Ombudsman, he has refused to initiate a public inquiry. This contrasts with statements made by Tánaiste Simon Harris, who indicated in the Dáil that the government has an 'open mind' on the possibility of a public inquiry into the case, a call that has been made by the Horkan family.
Dermot Horkan, speaking on behalf of the family, has expressed gratitude for Harris's approach, describing him as a "good man" who has displayed "great empathy."