Questions over state's bungling of Curtin case

Sinn Féin North Kerry TD Martin Ferris says the Minister for Justice has serious questions to answer over the state's mishandling of the case of Judge Brian Curtin. Deputy Ferris was commenting after the trial of the former PD candidate collapsed over a technicality in Tralee Court last week.

"The fact that experienced Gardaí didn't act on a warrant within its timeframe is inexcusable," he said. "That the state didn't know when the search warrant would cease to be effective is unbelievable. The state and the Minister for Justice have serious questions to answer about the Gardaí's handling of this case. People are furious over this, I have never seen such anger in Kerry, and an explanation as to why this case was bungled in such a manner must be forthcoming.

"This will do nothing to help the already damaged reputation of the Gardaí and if the public are to have any faith in the Irish justice system then the Minister for Justice needs to explain these serious questions adequately and promptly. I and my Sinn Féin colleagues in Leinster House will be seeking an explanation from the Minister when the Dáil resumes next week."

On Tuesday, the government wrote to Judge Curtin seeking an urgent response from him explaining his alleged accessing and downloading of child pornography as concerns grew about the judge's intention to return to the bench.