GARDA whistleblower John Wilson has declared his intention to contest the next General Election as an Independent candidate in the Cavan-Monaghan constituency.

Mr Wilson has strong family connections to Fianna Fail, including his brother, Senator Diarmuid Wilson, but he believes the party has “lost touch with the people”.

The former garda, who recently recovered from bowel cancer, said the only political party he would join is Sinn Fein. Mr Wilson spoke at the Sinn Fein summer school in Cork but said he has not discussed joining the party.

Mr Wilson and his colleague Sgt Maurice McCabe’s concerns about the penalty points system led to three separate investigations and resulted in disciplinary procedures for three senior gardai.

Mr Wilson retired from the force last year claiming his position was no longer tenable due to bullying and harassment.

Sgt McCabe is currently serving in Mullingar Garda Station in Westmeath but has lodged a series of complaints about his treatment in the force.

Online Editors