Get all the very latest news in Ireland straight to your email every single day Sign up! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Garda whistleblower John Wilson is recovering from bowel cancer surgery he had this week which his wife has said has been brought on by stress of the controversy.

Ann Wilson revealed that the illness came on him all of a sudden and she blames the stress brought on by him disclosing flaws in the penalty points system.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar thanked Sgt McCabe and Mr Wilson for their service and said their actions were "distinguished" on Wednesday.

Ms Wilson said: "How many more times do they need to be proven right before Shatter and Callinan actually say 'you were right and you did the country a service'?"

John Wilson, who retired from the gardai, had blood tests three weeks ago which were all clear except for one which needed a further check.

She added: "The nurse said it was nothing to worry about but as precaution she referred him to a consultant in Cavan General Hospital."

The dad-of-three was told he needed surgery to remove a blockage.

Speaking to the Irish Independent Ann said: ""He was told they could not do the colonoscopy examination because of a blockage, which they suspected to be bowel cancer, and surgery would be needed.

"It was a night from hell.

"I can't even imagine what John was going through.

"It still hasn't dawned on him that he had cancer because he had it removed."

Mr Varadkar called on the Garda Commissioner to withdraw comments he made about whistleblowers where he used the word "disgusting".

The Garda Commissioner later clarified his remarks to say he wasn't referring to the character of Sgt McCabe or Mr Wilson.

Minister Varadkar also heaped pressure on his colleague Alan Shatter to say sorry to the two men who were vindicated by a recent report by the Garda inspectorate.

Last night Social Protection Minister Joan Burton joined Mr Varadkar in calling for Mr Callinan to withdraw his "disgusting" remarks.