Daniel Costigan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Daniel Costigan (1911–1979) was Commissioner of the Garda Síochána from July 1952 until February 1965.[1][2] Costigan was the second, and final, civilian commissioner of the Garda Siochana.
Daniel Costigan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 5th Garda Commissioner | |
| In office July 1952 – February 1965 | |
| Preceded by | Michael Kinnane |
| Succeeded by | William P. Quinn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1911 |
| Died | 1979 (aged 67–68) |
| Children | 6 |
Personal life
Visit by John F. Kennedy
Commissioner Costigan was involved in the security for the visit of then President John F. Kennedy to Ireland in 1963.[4] Three death threats had been received and Commissioner Costigan warned his subordinates to not disregard the possibility of any such threat, no matter how implausible the source.[4] He regarded Kennedy's state visit as the most significant event in the country's history since independence.[4]
Criticism by Charles Haughey
In 1963, Minister for Justice Charles Haughey accused the Commissioner of "talking through his hat" after learning that only 15% of criminals were fingerprinted (petty criminals were not).[5]
Criticism by Murphy Report
The Murphy Report criticised Commissioner Costigan for his handling of allegations of child abuse by Fr. Edmondus (pseudonym).[6][7] Scotland Yard had contacted him concerning images that the priest had sent to be developed in the UK.[6][7] Commissioner Costigan asked Archbishop John Charles McQuaid to handle it because a priest was involved and he claimed "Gardaí could prove nothing".[6][7]