The presidential candidate, Mr Derek Nally, has challenged Mr Patrick Cooney, minister for justice in the Fine Gael-Labour government in the 1970s, to respond to his criticism of the interrogation methods used by some members of the Garda at that time.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Nally said: "I wish to emphasise the truth of my remarks regarding the activities of a small, unrepresentative group within the Garda during the 1970s. The methods of policing and interrogation used by this group fell short of what is acceptable in a democracy. It is also true that I, along with Garda colleagues, informed the minister at a meeting about the behaviour of this group. If Mr Cooney wishes to challenge my account, he should do so now. It is unfair of him to leave the matter hanging until after the presidential election. As a former minister he has a responsibility to clear the air."