Leo Varadkar story in The Village??? - Mod Notes and banned Users in OP updated 16/05

expectationlost

Varadkar leak inquiry widens as more people may have had access to document after leak
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/varadkar-leak-inquiry-widens-as-more-people-may-have-had-access-todocument-after-leak-40430765.html

Gardaí investigating the Tánaiste’s leaking of a confidential Government document to a friend have extended their inquiry after establishing that more people may have had access to the document after it was leaked.

are they going to investigate Matt giving it to other people? rather then investigating Varadkar.

Shebean

expectationlost wrote: »

Varadkar leak inquiry widens as more people may have had access to document after leak
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/varadkar-leak-inquiry-widens-as-more-people-may-have-had-access-todocument-after-leak-40430765.html are they going to investigate Matt giving it to other people? rather then investigating Varadkar.

I would guess the further is was spread would be more problematic for the person leaked it. Seems to be an expanding investigation.


or some effort to look into a case of wasting Garda time.

jmcc

expectationlost wrote: »

Varadkar leak inquiry widens as more people may have had access to document after leak
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/varadkar-leak-inquiry-widens-as-more-people-may-have-had-access-todocument-after-leak-40430765.html are they going to investigate Matt giving it to other people? rather then investigating Varadkar.

The Corruption legislation rather than the OSA being the main part of the investigation now?

Regards...jmcc

Rows Grower

He's starting to act even more bizarrely now, for the good of the nation it really is time for him to step aside while this ongoing investigation takes its course.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/crackdown-on-cuckoo-funds-buying-up-housing-estates-leads-to-split-in-coalition-40443325.html

Bullocks

Rows Grower wrote: »

He's starting to act even more bizarrely now, for the good of the nation it really is time for him to step aside while this ongoing investigation takes its course.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/crackdown-on-cuckoo-funds-buying-up-housing-estates-leads-to-split-in-coalition-40443325.html

I wouldn't call his behaviour bizarre or want him to step aside just for asking what he asked.
Fair enough the housing needs work done but would you kick health behind it for awhile in the middle of covid?
Indeed the government have been slack enough on their handling of this cyber attack, could be another attack around the corner that would be even more devastating and they have alot to do there.
If every TD that questioned another party was called bizarre and made step down there wouldn't be a Sinn Féin!

Suckit

Bullocks wrote: »

I wouldn't call his behaviour bizarre or want him to step aside just for asking what he asked.
Fair enough the housing needs work done but would you kick health behind it for awhile in the middle of covid?
Indeed the government have been slack enough on their handling of this cyber attack, could be another attack around the corner that would be even more devastating and they have alot to do there.
If every TD that questioned another party was called bizarre and made step down there wouldn't be a Sinn Féin!

Regardless of what he is asking etc.. He has brought an unwanted distraction to the Government, they are trying get work done, he has other things going on with the investigation, also him being in that position means the investigators can't do their job as thoroughly as they should. For those reasons and more, he should step aside until the investigation has concluded. TBH, it would probably suit Leo at this stage to step aside, he can claim he no hand in whatever follows. Unless of course people start to like and respect Cuckoo funds, then he can say he started them coming here.. :rolleyes:

Bullocks

Suckit wrote: »

Regardless of what he is asking etc.. He has brought an unwanted distraction to the Government, they are trying get work done, he has other things going on with the investigation, also him being in that position means the investigators can't do their job as thoroughly as they should. For those reasons and more, he should step aside until the investigation has concluded. TBH, it would probably suit Leo at this stage to step aside, he can claim he no hand in whatever follows. Unless of course people start to like and respect Cuckoo funds, then he can say he started them coming here.. :rolleyes:

Why can't the investigators do a thorough job while he is doing his?
As for it being an unwanted distraction I'm not sure how distracted the govt are by it TBH. I haven't seen anyone coming out saying they're unable to do their jobs because this investigation

Bullocks

Bullocks wrote: »

Why can't the investigators do a thorough job while he is doing his?
As for it being an unwanted distraction I'm not sure how distracted the govt are by it TBH. I haven't seen anyone coming out saying they're unable to do their jobs because this investigation

The posts are variations of the same venting by supporters of parties who don't share the same voter catchment as FG
Centrist or right voters meander around parties or independents that run a steady no shock ship for them
FF used have a cohort of the left voting for it,thats dwindling,sucked into parties better focused on their needs more so as opposed to wider scopes
We're here on the internet,we must expect that other peoples views will vary

Shebean

Marine Layer wrote: »

The posts are variations of the same venting by supporters of parties who don't share the same voter catchment as FG
Centrist or right voters meander around parties or independents that run a steady no shock ship for them
FF used have a cohort of the left voting for it,thats dwindling,sucked into parties better focused on their needs more so as opposed to wider scopes
We're here on the internet,we must expect that other peoples views will vary

While generalisation based on assumed party lines might be a convenient way of explaining away criticism it ignores a number of issues such as the fact that there was a huge shift in voting trends last election which goes in the face of party dictated bias for bias sake and of course the elephant in the room, the leaking of a confidential government document by a minister to a crony, how ever people might try justify it.
I'd imagine some people from all parties and none would have a legitimate issue with that. To believe it's strictly related to party lines or biases is as I say convenient but not logical.
There's a trend with FG online and in office to hand wave away any and all criticism citing bias regardless of the issue, I think you are falling for that.

Suckit

Bullocks wrote: »

Why can't the investigators do a thorough job while he is doing his?
As for it being an unwanted distraction I'm not sure how distracted the govt are by it TBH. I haven't seen anyone coming out saying they're unable to do their jobs because this investigation

The investigators would have to ask other officials that were in office at the time questions about what was going on etc. did they see xyz. With Leo sitting as Tanaiste he could easily taint any investigation. People might not come forward so quickly with information, others may not want to answer questions for fear of repercussions among other things. We have seen what happened to Kate O'Connell when she supported the other guy. We know Leo can throw a tantrum. Not even it being him, it should be common sense that he can cause obstruction being there..
People being questioned and an ongoing investigation is a distraction, Its not up to you or I to decide how much of a distraction, but a month or so ago, it was a big one. Now, it doesn't seem like much of one, but the investigation is ongoing.

Marine Layer wrote: »

The posts are variations of the same venting by supporters of parties who don't share the same voter catchment as FG
Centrist or right voters meander around parties or independents that run a steady no shock ship for them
FF used have a cohort of the left voting for it,thats dwindling,sucked into parties better focused on their needs more so as opposed to wider scopes
We're here on the internet,we must expect that other peoples views will vary

You yourself said that the investigators should be able to perform a thorough investigation.
No venting here. I have simply stated before, and since, that he should step aside so that their investigation can be as thorough as possible.
It does get to sound a little repetitive, but when the questions are similar it's hard not to.

blanch152

Suckit wrote: »

The investigators would have to ask other officials that were in office at the time questions about what was going on etc. did they see xyz. With Leo sitting as Tanaiste he could easily taint any investigation. People might not come forward so quickly with information, others may not want to answer questions for fear of repercussions among other things. We have seen what happened to Kate O'Connell when she supported the other guy. We know Leo can throw a tantrum. Not even it being him, it should be common sense that he can cause obstruction being there..
People being questioned and an ongoing investigation is a distraction, Its not up to you or I to decide how much of a distraction, but a month or so ago, it was a big one. Now, it doesn't seem like much of one, but the investigation is ongoing.


You yourself said that the investigators should be able to perform a thorough investigation.
No venting here. I have simply stated before, and since, that he should step aside so that their investigation can be as thorough as possible.
It does get to sound a little repetitive, but when the questions are similar it's hard not to.

He could easily taint any investigation? What sort of nonsense is that? It is not like he is the Minister for Justice or sits on a policing board and can influence what the police do.

Shebean

blanch152 wrote: »

He could easily taint any investigation? What sort of nonsense is that? It is not like he is the Minister for Justice or sits on a policing board and can influence what the police do.

He wasn't health minister, involved in or a party to the negotiations between the IMO and the health department when he obtained a confidential negotiation document and passed it to his friend.
It's highly naïve to think a man under criminal investigation being actively involved with colleagues on a daily basis and a party leader in government won't stifle or hinder people coming forward fearing retribution. And that's not even accusing him of trying to.

tobsey

Shebean wrote: »

He wasn't health minister, involved in or a party to the negotiations between the IMO and the health department when he obtained a confidential negotiation document and passed it to his friend.
It's highly naïve to think a man under criminal investigation being actively involved with colleagues on a daily basis and a party leader in government won't stifle or hinder people coming forward fearing retribution. And that's not even accusing him of trying to.

Do you really want to live in a democracy where an elected official has to step down when a case is being investigated against them? There haven’t even been any charges brought. Can you not see how that would be a threat to democracy if the police had to act on a complaint and then a politician had to step down.

Suckit

tobsey wrote: »

Do you really want to live in a democracy where an elected official has to step down when a case is being investigated against them? There haven’t even been any charges brought. Can you not see how that would be a threat to democracy if the police had to act on a complaint and then a politician had to step down.

Nobody is suggesting that he steps down.
It is suggested that he should step aside during the investigation. It is also the right thing to do in a situation like this. Whether or not Leo does the right thing is another matter.

Fann Linn

blanch152 wrote: »

He could easily taint any investigation? What sort of nonsense is that? It is not like he is the Minister for Justice or sits on a policing board and can influence what the police do.

Was it not Varadkar who said to McEntee that Woulfe would make a good Supreme Court Judge or words to that effect?

McMurphy

tobsey wrote: »

Do you really want to live in a democracy where an elected official has to step down when a case is being investigated against them? There haven’t even been any charges brought. Can you not see how that would be a threat to democracy if the police had to act on a complaint and then a politician had to step down.

You're trying to gloss over stuff here.

It's not just a case of "a complaint having being made" against Leo, the complaint was made, preliminary investigation took place, and have since been upgraded to a criminal investigation.

Meaning the police definitely have found evidence to take the complaint seriously at least.

Let me ask you, if your elderly parent or young child made cruelty allegations against their carer, would you be happy for that carer to remain in place, being their sole carers whilst they were investigated for the cruelty allegations made by your elderly parent or young child?

Brendan Bendar

McMurphy wrote: »

You're trying to gloss over stuff here.

It's not just a case of "a complaint having being made" against Leo, the complaint was made, preliminary investigation took place, and have since been upgraded to a criminal investigation.

Meaning the police definitely have found evidence to take the complaint seriously at least.

Let me ask you, if your elderly parent or young child made cruelty allegations against their carer, would you be happy for that carer to remain in place, being their sole carers whilst they were investigated for the cruelty allegations made by your elderly parent or young child?

Veering into the realms of mysticism and bong pipes now Randal.

Try to stay in some state of reality.

McMurphy

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

Veering into the realms of mysticism and bong pipes now Randal.

Try to stay in some state of reality.

I don't think I am at all, and it's not the first time it's been asked in this thread, why would anyone leave someone, who is the subject of an investigation in place at their role where they could interfere with the proceedings of that investigation?

Doesn't matter if it's a politician, or a carer, if they are technically able to interfere with the investigation, you ask them to step aside until the investigation concludes.

I think it's mainly the diehard Leoites that disagree with him being asked to step aside here btw, which is understandable as he's "there guy so to speak", but it doesn't mean it's ok.

McMurphy

McMurphy wrote: »

I think it's mainly the diehard Leoites that disagree with him being asked to step aside.

No, that would be the government
Their strategy is to ignore spurious complaints while the process that deals with them plays out
Meanwhile the complainants and their actors furiously dig up as many names who may have seen the file to keep the Gardai interviewing and lengthen the process as possible
Understandable as when the investigation inevitably ends in my opinion with no charges, there may be slander suits if Leo isn't the bigger man
I'd say he will be though

FrancieBrady

Marine Layer wrote: »

No, that would be the government
Their strategy is to ignore spurious complaints while the process that deals with them plays out
Meanwhile the complainants and their actors furiously dig up as many names who may have seen the file to keep the Gardai interviewing and lengthen the process as possible
Understandable as when the investigation inevitably ends in my opinion with no charges, there may be slander suits if Leo isn't the bigger man
I'd say he will be though

Look, I think it has been adequately pointed out that claiming it is a 'spuious claim' is a politically biased punt.

You cannot be seriously saying that you or even a government can decide that a complaint is 'spurious' before it is investigated?

You are taking a 'punt' on this, please be decent and state it with the three letter...'IMO' before your politically biased punt/bet/hope/ etc.

McMurphy

Marine Layer wrote: »

No, that would be the government
Their strategy is to ignore spurious complaints while the process that deals with them plays out
Meanwhile the complainants and their actors furiously dig up as many names who may have seen the file to keep the Gardai interviewing and lengthen the process as possible
Understandable as when the investigation inevitably ends in my opinion with no charges, there may be slander suits if Leo isn't the bigger man
I'd say he will be though

We've been over this,

Maybe you're not up to speed on the definition of "spurious", as far as I know, spurious relates to something that's not genuine, or its false/fake.

I believe I had to point this out to Maryanne before btw, but here goes again.

The guards have upgraded the preliminary investigation to the full blown criminal one.

And the elephant in the room is obviously that Leo apologised FFS. Try to keep abreast of developments marine, it's not that difficult tbh.

You may argue the toss over whether Leo commited an illegal act if you want, and that's ultimately what the DPP will look at, and a court will decide.

However, saying the complaint is "spurious" is absolutely arse biscuit stuff. See above ref criminal investigation and apology.

As for the slander..... Yeah I'm willing to take a punt Leo will stay away from that, thank you very much.

shtpEdthePlum

I wonder if I said sorry for shoplifting, would I be left off?

skimpydoo

shtpEdthePlum wrote: »

I wonder if I said sorry for shoplifting, would I be left off?

You would be sent to Botany Bay.

McMurphy

McMurphy wrote: »

We've been over this,

Maybe you're not up to speed on the definition of "spurious", as far as I know, spurious relates to something that's not genuine, or its false/fake.

I believe I had to point this out to Maryanne before btw, but here goes again.

The guards have upgraded the preliminary investigation to the full blown criminal one.

And the elephant in the room is obviously that Leo apologised FFS. Try to keep abreast of developments marine, it's not that difficult tbh.

You may argue the toss over whether Leo commited an illegal act if you want, and that's ultimately what the DPP will look at, and a court will decide.

However, saying the complaint is "spurious" is absolutely arse biscuit stuff. See above ref criminal investigation and apology.

As for the slander..... Yeah I'm willing to take a punt Leo will stay away from that, thank you very much.

The gardai investigating the matter thoroughly is independent of whether the governments opinion is that the complaints are spurious
Ultimately if there's no charge, they will be vindicated in that view.
I believe they will be
You and a cohort of anti Vradakar posters are maintaining a position here of the opposite
Whatever motive you have for that is your own and vice versa

Incidently when you say 'and a court will decide', the correct turn of phrase is 'or a court will decide' because for the latter you need charges and I think we both know our respective positions on that prospect

McMurphy

Marine Layer wrote: »

Incidently when you say 'and a court will decide', the correct turn of phrase is 'or a court will decide' because for the latter you need charges and I think we both know our respective positions on that prospect

No, I mean exactly what I said - "DPP will look at, and a court will decide".

I don't believe folk would be so pedantic on this tbh, as I said, the DPP decide whether a crime might have been committed, and a court will then decide.

Obviously charges need to be brought for the court to decide....... Hence why I mentioned the DPP. If the DPP decide not to bring forward a prosecution, then obviously there's no court involvement. Jeez you're hard work at the pedanticism.


I

Well, lads. Has Leo been jailed yet?

golfball37

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well, lads. Has Leo been jailed yet?

SF are Ten points ahead of FG in an opinion poll tomorrow. Whatever about jail he needs to go as FG leader

ThunbergsAreGo

shtpEdthePlum wrote: »

I wonder if I said sorry for shoplifting, would I be left off?

Probably...

golfball37

golfball37 wrote: »

SF are Ten points ahead of FG in an opinion poll tomorrow. Whatever about jail he needs to go as FG leader

Maybe no harm. I think SF might want to be careful what they wish for, Coveny leading in the next election could do very well

Brendan Bendar

shtpEdthePlum wrote: »

I wonder if I said sorry for shoplifting, would I be left off?

Left off where?

JeffKenna

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well, lads. Has Leo been jailed yet?

I'm really beginning to think that yourself and a few others are on the Sinn Féin payroll. It doesn't make any sense to resurrect a thread after 3 weeks with a comment like that.

McMurphy

JeffKenna wrote: »

I'm really beginning to think that yourself and a few others are on the Sinn Féin payroll. It doesn't make any sense to resurrect a thread after 3 weeks with a comment like that.

It does if you look at the timing.....

Barely an hour after this was posted

https://twitter.com/gavreilly/status/1403805911760637956?s=19

, up pops the distractionary stuff. It's the classic example of acting the internet rodeo clown.

McMurphy

It hasn't gone away you know..... People rightly asking questions about why moving at a snails pace....

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/questions-about-delay-in-leo-varadkar-leak-inquiry-rffsk0wzv

Varadkar is the subject of a criminal investigation into the leaking in 2019 of a draft contract between the Department of Health and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) to Maitiú Ó Tuathail, then president of the rival National Association of GPs. The investigation is focusing on possible breaches of the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018, which makes it an offence for politicians to provide documents that bestow influence to friends. The tanaiste is also under investigation for possible breaches of data protection regulations.

Varadkar was questioned by detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) on April 9 about the disclosure of the draft contract.

Varadkar, who has admitted he provided a copy of the document to Ó Tuathail when he was taoiseach, told gardai he did not realise his actions might constitute an offence but acknowledged the draft contract was marked “confidential”. He has rejected any suggestion that he had anything to gain personally from its disclosure.

Ó Tuathail was also interviewed by gardai and is thought to have made certain admissions. Both men denied knowingly breaking any law.

The NBCI is said to have amassed a large quantity of information on communications between Varadkar and Ó Tuathail and other associates who received copies of the draft. Mobile phones used by Varadkar, Ó Tuathail and other witnesses were examined. The garda inquiry also examined traffic on unregistered mobile phones between people connected to the inquiry, which sources say has delayed the pace of the investigation.

Martin Kenny, the Sinn Fein spokesman on justice issues, said the public had expected this inquiry to be dealt with urgently due to public concern, and he could not understand why it has still not concluded.

“While we do understand the gardai need to investigate this matter rigorously and properly, no one expects there to be delays, especially because Leo Varadkar is a member of the government. It would reflect very badly if the accusation was to be made that it was being held up,” he said.

Catherine Murphy, the co-leader of the Social Democrats, said the public expected a file on the case to be sent as quickly as possible to the DPP’s office, given what was involved. “There were admissions made in this case which would lead everyone to suspect it would have been simple. I am surprised the file has not already been sent,” she said.

McMurphy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117723388#Comment_117723388

Varadkar, who has admitted he provided a copy of the document to Ó Tuathail when he was taoiseach, told gardai he did not realise his actions might constitute an offence but acknowledged the draft contract was marked “confidential”. He has rejected any suggestion that he had anything to gain personally from its disclosure.

I wonder if Leo ever heard of "Ignorantia juris non excusat" - nice to see he admitted knowing it was confidential though, despite the deniers on here preaching otherwise.

Yer man Dr zero craic has been keeping a very low profile in recent months. He was a media darling this time last year

mariab21

Screenshot_20210808_161900_com.twitter.android.jpg

From today's independent. Burner phones and all Leo and his not friend were using

FrancieBrady

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117724113#Comment_117724113

Is the suggestion here that Varadkar was communicating on burner phones?

mariab21

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117724433#Comment_117724433

Well it seems unregistered mobiles are being investigated and burners are what they call these phones criminals used

Suckit

Unregistered phones were being used, but obviously they can't say 'who' was using them. That and other factors are what is causing the delay with the criminal investigation into this.

I can't imagine Europe will be welcoming him with open arms by the time his continuous trail of self destruction has finished coming out. Even before.

It may be time to look at plan b.

skimpydoo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117725657#Comment_117725657

Is there a plan b?

JP Liz V1

Not so nice photo of him nose picking at a UK hoopla festival doing the rounds

Floppybits

More do as we say not as we do from FFG. He has probably now put an end to the rest of the restrictions. You would think he would avoid getting caught in something like this especially after the Merrion crap

Suckit

..

Jinglejangle69

We are 3 weeks behind the UK with reopening.

Anyone here could go to the UK tonight and attend that festival.

More permanently outraged over nothing.

Take a night off lads.

skimpydoo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117848198#Comment_117848198

Do you not see the optics? It looks bad.

Floppybits

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117848202#Comment_117848202

Oh I am sure they can but would prefer to bury their head in the sand rather than being honest and admit it doesn't look good.

Jinglejangle69

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117848202#Comment_117848202

No.

What optics?

skimpydoo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117848313#Comment_117848313

Are you taking the piss?

Jinglejangle69

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117848207#Comment_117848207

What doesn't look good?

Anyone here can get on a plane tommorow and go to a festival in the UK.

So once again, what doesn't look good?

skimpydoo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117848319#Comment_117848319

Ah jaysus is that the best you can come up with?