Judges, Courts Service, DPP’s Office and Gardaí asked to answer for wrongdoing done to Kevin Tracey

national | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Sunday November 20, 2011 19:45 by James Coughlan - LSG

Thirty one malicious prosecutions of an innocent man, followed by perjury, cover ups, scandalous conduct by judges, barristers, solicitors, the Courts Service, the DPP's office, assaults by Gardaí etc - there was a long story to tell about the shameless legal and judicial system in Ireland outside our Houses of Parliament during the protest by Kevin Tracey, despite his illness. This story is one that could also come under the Rights and Freedom heading as well as under "Crime and Justice". Kevin Tracey has been the victim of criminal behaviour but he has also been deprived of his human rights and of freedom to live a normal life with his family in peace. Every day of the protest people ask "Why is this happening in Ireland?"

Day One

Michael Healy Rae Independent TD confirmed to Kevin that he had asked Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice a question concerning this scandalous story and got a disappointing reply.  Michael said it was the usual type of answer and ignores the problem.  He said that he would supply Kevin with the answer.  He said the matter certainly needs attention and not a cover up and deserves attention as he said himself it is corrupt.

Rosaleen Reid – this woman from a passing bus saw Kevin sitting on a stool whilst protesting.  She got off the bus and came back to see what Kevin’s story is about. She was taken aback  with the story and said that this was awful to happen to such a nice man.  She asked did Enda Kenny know about this and was told yes.  She was very upset.

Six men from East Galway (owners of bogs) up to meet a TD - Kevin explained the story to these men.  They had first hand experience of garda abuse as well and they certainly how corrupt this country is.

Senator Michael Mullen FG - Justin Morahan and Kevin spoke with him and he agreed it was a serious case needing inquiry.

Bernard Durkan FG TD – Bernard had a lot of experience in the abuse of Kevin over the years and had even attended the District Court with Kevin and his wife regarding malicious prosecutions.  He said  "I know your protagonist got promotion last week".  He was rushing off to a meeting and asked Kevin to make contact with him.

Michael Wallace Indpendent TD - he said it was shocking stuff and could not believe how a legal planning permission could be taken away for a house.  There is something really wrong he said.  He had received correspondence from Kevin a couple of weeks previous which he had not dealt with as yet.

Kevin and his friend Justin Morahan had a long chat with Aengus O’Snodaigh Sinn Fein TD who had himself experienced a lot a difficulty with the Gardai and who had already got a full account of the corruption and abuse of Kevin. 

Loyal supporters helped to distribute details and tell pedestrians the dreadful story of Kevin Tracey.  They had also met with Pat the Cope Gallagher FG MEP and Joanna Tuffy Labour TD who already knew the story.

Day Two 

Michael Naughton Ind. TD who listened carefully to the story and was visibly shocked. He said that he would get in touch with David Stanton TD (Chairman of theJustice Committee). Michael

Healy Rae Ind.TD who said that he would come back to Kevin on thematter. Thomas Pringle Ind. TD who told Kevin that the whole matter needs a closelook at and he is prepared to assist.  His own father had been the victim of gross wrongdoing. 

Bernard Durkan FG TD who was agreeable to Kevin's poster seeking aninquiry into these matters under the Commissions for Investigations Act 2004 which is law in force. Bernard said that he is prepared to have ameeting with Kevin to get an update.   

Mattie McGrath Ind. TD who said that he was away for 10 days on businessand will attend now to Kevin's correspondence.  Mattie had met with Kevin a number of times on previous days of the protest. 

A civilian John Murphy of Clondalkin who when informed of the story was upset with the treatment Kevin has received.  He said that he intended visiting the constituency office of Minister Frances Fitzgerald FG TD in Clondalkin to have these issues addressed within the FG party (The current Taoiseach Enda Kenny is the leader). 

Joe Costello Labour TD who was met by Justin Morahan and Kevin.  Justin asked him to help Kevin as Justin has had associations with him in thepast.  Joe said he remembered Kevin's speech at the Mansion House in1995 concerning all the corruption and abuse against him. Joe was not aware that Claire Loftus was appointed the new DPP eventhough she was involved heavily in the frame up of Kevin Tracey.

The supporters of Kevin spoke with several members of the public who expressed their shock and support.

Day Three 

Shane Ward who came to see Kevin from the Occupy Dame Street protest outside the Central Bank.  He was appalled with the story which hehad not heard of before and will spread the news of it to his fellowprotestors. 

Joe Costello Labour TD approached once again and wished Kevin well with hisfight for justice.   

Brendan Burns and his wife Elizabeth from Clondalkin - their son hadbeen beaten to a pulp by gardai and they were fully aware of thecorruption in Irish society.  They offered great support to Kevin and Brendansaid he would return to support Kevin. 

Beatrice Kelly from Listowel - who was on a separate widow’s protest outsidethe Dail.  She told Kevin not to give in and to continue in his fight tohave the wrongdoing corrected.  She was not surprised that this couldhappen to an innocent man with all the recent revelations of corruption.   

John Waters Journalist who listened to Kevin's story and took Kevin'stelephone number.  He has written extensively on corruption in Ireland including the Judiciary. 

Gerry Collins ex FF TD and Minister listened to the story from Kevinand could not for starters accept the loss of a legal planningpermission which was the matter that lead to all the abuse organised against Kevin.  He suggested the Ombudsman but said that he was now not part of the Dail and unable to do much at present.  He was very sad to hear of this story which he thought was dreadful. 

There was increased interest from members of the public in the ongoing protest outside the Dáil. Hundreds of leaflets were handed out at the Gates and along the street.

This report is based on observations throughout the protest and any errors or omissions are regretted. I certainly would welcome contacts from those criticised in the report who wish to reply to those criticisms in an open forum outside of the Courts system.