DPP will not prosecute case over claims of voter fraud in Kerry
A case on 'potential criminal wrongdoing' followed allegations that, ahead of the May 2019 local elections, a Garda officer in the Killarney electoral area stamped hundreds of supplementary voter registration forms without the applicants being present, which is a legal requirement.
In the Seanad last week, Fine Gael senator Mike Kennelly pushed for an update on the investigation, which was launched into the matter in 2019. Mr Kennelly said: 'An Garda Síochána launched a formal investigation led by a superintendent from outside Kerry, and a file was prepared. No prosecution is set to be taken against claims of voter irregularity in Kerry, gardaí have confirmed. Pic: KarlM Photography/Shutterstock
'As of April 2024, GSOC [the Garda ombudsman] forwarded a file to the DPP, with a decision still pending. This is over six years ago. When will we see this case brought to a conclusion?'
Large numbers of forms, involving up to 200 additional voters, or voters who were changing address, were allegedly stamped by a garda without the presence of the voters. The Garda ombudsman opened what it described as 'a public interest investigation'.
Several calls, including a council motion, were made for the matter to be brought to a conclusion for the sake of clarity and confidence in the electoral system. After inquiries by Extra.ie, both Fiosrú – which replaced GSOC – and An Garda Síochana confirmed the DPP had decided not to proceed with the case. After inquiries by Extra.ie, both Fiosrú – which replaced GSOC – and An Garda Síochana confirmed the DPP had decided not to proceed with the case. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
A Garda spokesman said: 'In 2019, gardaí reported an allegation relating to Killarney Garda Station to GSOC (now Fiosrú). This office is aware that GSOC (Fiosrú) subsequently submitted an investigation file to the Office of the DPP and the DPP directed no prosecution in the matter.'
A spokeswoman for Fiosrú said: 'The file was forwarded to the DPP on July 13, 2023. 'The DPP advised no prosecution on June 11, 2024, and the case closed and all parties notified on June 18, 2024.'
Gardaí last week also confirmed they were not following up on a case where a man admitted to voter impersonation. Gardaí successfully brought a case against David Moriarty in Kerry this month, but admitted in court they did not ask the man where he'd obtained his polling card and if that related to the Killarney case. Mr Moriarty pleaded guilty to fraudulently putting in a ballot box a paper other than what he was authorised by law to put in, at a polling booth in Kenmare during last year's local and European elections. Pic: Getty Images
Mr Moriarty pleaded guilty to fraudulently putting in a ballot box a paper other than what he was authorised by law to put in, at a polling booth in Kenmare during last year's local and European elections.
He was ordered to pay €1,000 to charity, but it emerged gardaí had not asked him who told him to do this, or who gave him the polling card. Pressed by Extra.ie on whether they would follow up on where Mr Moriarty got the polling card, a Garda spokesman said court copy noted the name of the person was 'unknown'.
'There is no further investigation at this time,' they added. Mr Kennelly claimed the man was working for the Healy-Rae Plant Hire company. He said it was 'extraordinary to learn, as every dog and divil in Kerry knows', the defendant works for this firm. Pic: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie
Mr Kennelly claimed the man was working for the Healy-Rae Plant Hire company. He said it was 'extraordinary to learn, as every dog and divil in Kerry knows', the defendant works for this firm.
However, Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae said on RTÉ Radio 1 last week: 'My absolute knowledge of that is that he does not work for Healy-Rae Plant Hire.'
Asked if they would be investigating the matter further, a Garda spokesman said their role 'is to prosecute a case in the District Court', adding: 'In general there would be no reason for An Garda Síochána to make reference to a defendant's employment in open court unless specifically asked a question by the judge.'
The offence in this case falls under Section 138 Electoral Act 1992 as amended. The maximum penalty for such an offence is two years in prison. In accordance with statute, this is not an arrestable offence nor is there any power of detention.
As such, An Garda Síochána had no power upon which to question the defendant in relation to the offence.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Israeli cabinet meeting postponed as tensions rise over Netanyahu's occupation plan
An Israeli security cabinet meeting, which had been expected to discuss Benjamin Netanyahu's call for the 'full occupation' of Gaza, has been postponed amid mounting tensions over whether the plan is feasible. Amid a stalling of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, Israeli officials had briefed local and international media that the prime minister was considering an expansive offensive, aimed at taking full control of the Palestinian territory after 22 months of war against the militant group Hamas. However, senior Israeli military officers and former senior commanders warned the plan would endanger the lives of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, risk further international isolation of Israel and require Israeli soldiers to administer a population in which Hamas fighters were still present. Any move towards full occupation is likely to be strongly resisted by large parts of the international community, already horrified by the conduct of Israel's military campaign. Palestinians ride on a truck loaded with food and humanitarian aid as it moves along the Morag corridor near Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/Mariam Dagga Israel's scorched-earth campaign has already obliterated large parts of Gaza, killing more than 60,000 people, mostly civilians, forcing nearly all of Gaza's more than two million people from their homes and causing what a global hunger monitor last week called an unfolding famine. That has caused widespread international anger and prompted several European countries to say they would recognise a Palestinian state next month if there was no ceasefire, amid mounting calls for sanctions against Israel. The disquiet follows briefings to Israeli journalists on Monday saying that Mr Netanyahu had decided the expanded offensive was a foregone conclusion. 'The die has been cast. We're going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip — and defeating Hamas,' the unnamed sources said, quoting Mr Netanyahu. By Tuesday, however, evidence had emerged of deep splits between Mr Netanyahu and senior military officials, including the chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, who reportedly voiced opposition to the plan, prompting calls for his dismissal. Military analysts in the Israeli media, channelling some defence officials, were also sceptical. Writing in Yedioth Ahronoth, the military affairs commentator Yossi Yehoshua described the risks of the proposal. 'Hostages … will die, large numbers of IDF [Israel Defense Forces] soldiers will be killed as well as a serious logistical problem – where to house the roughly 1 million civilians who are now in Gaza City. 'Currently, Israel simply doesn't have legitimacy either to continue to fight in Gaza or to establish a city of refugees on its ruins.' Israeli officials have said Mr Netanyahu discussed a plan with the White House as it attempted to portray Hamas as having walked away from ceasefire negotiations, a claim denied by Hamas, which blamed Israel for the protracted impasse. While the Trump administration has not commented on the Netanyahu proposal, it has been given some credence by leaked comments made by the US envoy Steve Witkoff to Israeli hostage families at the weekend, suggesting his proposal for a ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the remaining living hostages had failed. Mr Witkoff added that Donald Trump 'now believes that everybody should come home at once. No piecemeal deals,' adding they were now pursuing an 'all or nothing' plan. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon At the centre of the Netanyahu plan is the notion that, by surrounding areas where hostages are believed to be held, Israeli forces can raid those areas and rescue the captives, a policy that has broadly failed during the past two years of war. Amid questions over the practicality of a wider offensive, some have speculated that Mr Netanyahu's call may be more rhetorical than real in substance, aimed at keeping onboard far-right ministers who have demanded they be allowed to build settlements in Gaza. A Palestinian official close to the talks and mediation said Israeli threats could be a way to pressure Hamas to make concessions at the negotiation table. 'It will only complicate the negotiation further, at the end, the resistance factions will not accept less than an end to the war, and a full withdrawal from Gaza,' the official told Reuters, requesting not to be named. Practically, too, it is unclear whether Israel has the capacity for the kind of expanded operation described. The IDF has struggled with manpower issues as the war drags on, with reservists being repeatedly called up amid concerns over a mental health crisis that has included a number of suicides. On Tuesday, during a visit to Gaza, Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, suggested a less comprehensive long-term Israeli occupation, saying that Israel would maintain a permanent IDF presence in a 'security buffer zone' in strategic areas of Gaza to prevent future attacks on Israeli communities and arms smuggling into the strip. 'This is the main lesson of October 7,' said Mr Katz. 'As in other sectors, here too the IDF must stand between the enemy and our communities – not only to fight the enemy, but to separate it from our civilians.' Inside Gaza on Tuesday, Israeli gunfire and strikes killed at least 13 Palestinians, local health authorities said, including five people in a tent in Khan Younis and three aid seekers near Rafah in the south. Israeli tanks pushed into central Gaza earlier on Tuesday, but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. - The Guardian
The Journal
5 hours ago
- The Journal
Rare overhead footage of Gaza reveals scale of destruction brought by Israel's war
FOOTAGE TAKEN FROM a French military plane has offered a rare glimpse of the extent of the devastation in the Gaza Strip. The video was shot by French journalists from the M6 TV channel, who were accompanying France's First Parachute Transport regiment on an aid airdrop flight over the Palestinian territory, which was coordinated with Jordan. The video they captured shows a desolate and dust-coated urban landscape with no obvious signs of life. There are no cars, carts or people visible on the streets and almost every building shows signs of damage. Many are completely flattened. Advertisement The Journal / YouTube Israel maintains total control of the borders of the Gaza Strip and since it began its war on the territory, it has barred international media from entering. The airdrop by the French military is one of a number being carried out by European countries, including the UK. They are a response to mounting condemnation of Israel's war and the starvation plaguing the people of Gaza. The UN and aid agencies have said that airdrops are both insufficient and dangerous. Need more information on what is happening in Israel and Palestine? Check out our FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to navigating the news online. Visit Knowledge Bank Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
9 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Israeli cabinet may order complete Gaza takeover, despite international pressure for ceasefire
Israel's cabinet could authorise on Tuesday a complete military takeover of Gaza for the first time in two decades, media reported, despite international pressure for a ceasefire to ease appalling conditions in the besieged Palestinian territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaning towards an expanded offensive and taking control of the entire enclave after 22 months of war against militant group Hamas, Israeli Channel 12 reported. A senior Israeli source told Reuters on Monday that more force was an option following the collapse of indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas. Seizing the entire territory would reverse a 2005 decision by Israel to pull settlers and military out of Gaza while retaining control over its borders - a move right-wing parties blame for Hamas gaining power there. It was unclear, however, whether a potential full takeover of Gaza would entail a prolonged occupation or a short-term operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and freeing hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File Picture: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta Israel's coalition government is regarded as one of the most right-wing in its history, with the cabinet including parties that seek to annex both Gaza and the West Bank and encourage Palestinians to leave their homeland. The country's military has throughout the war pushed back against the idea of Israel trying to fully occupy Gaza and establish military rule there, which would require it to take over long-term governance. The military has also struggled with manpower issues as the war has dragged on, with reservists being repeatedly called up and putting a strain on capabilities. The conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, when gunmen stormed the border from Gaza, killing more than 1,200 people and seizing around 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies. Palestinians ride on a truck loaded with food and humanitarian aid as it moves along the Morag corridor near Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, Picture: AP/Mariam Dagga) Israel's military campaign has devastated the tiny, crowded enclave, killing more than 60,000 people according to Palestinian health authorities. It has forced nearly all of Gaza's over 2 million people from their homes and caused what a global hunger monitor called last week an unfolding famine. That has caused widespread international anger and prompted several European countries to say they would recognise a Palestinian state next month if there was no ceasefire. Inside Gaza on Tuesday, Israeli gunfire and strikes killed at least 13 Palestinians, local health authorities said, including five people in a tent in Khan Younis and three aid seekers near Rafah in the south. Tank push Israeli tanks pushed into central Gaza earlier on Tuesday but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. Palestinians living in the last fifth of the territory where Israel has not yet taken military control via ground incursions or orders for civilians to leave said any new move to occupy the area would be catastrophic. "If the tanks pushed through, where would we go, into the sea? This will be like a death sentence to the entire population," said Abu Jehad, a Gaza wood merchant, who asked not to be named in full. A Palestinian official close to the talks and mediation said Israeli threats could be a way to pressure Hamas to make concessions at the negotiation table. "It will only complicate the negotiation further, at the end, the resistance factions will not accept less than an end to the war, and a full withdrawal from Gaza," he told Reuters, asking not to be named. A Palestinian carries a bag containing aid near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution center operated by the US-backed organization, in Netzarim, central Gaza Strip. Picture: AP/Abdel Kareem Hana Israel said it would allow merchants to import goods. A source in Gaza told Reuters some trucks had already entered carrying chocolates and biscuits for a merchant. It is hoped that essential items such as children's milk, fresh meat and fruits, sugar, and rice could be allowed in, which would alleviate scarcity and drive down prices of what is available in the markets. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said last week he was working with the Israeli government on a plan that would effectively end the war in Gaza. But Israeli officials have also floated ideas including expanding the offensive and annexing parts of Gaza. The failed ceasefire talks in Doha had aimed to clinch agreements on a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day truce, during which aid would be flown into Gaza and half of the hostages Hamas is holding would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel. The Israeli military was expected on Tuesday to present alternatives that include extending into areas of Gaza where it has not yet operated, according to two defence officials. - Reuters
