9 March 2006: "A plenary Summons has today been submitted to the High Court in Dublin for libel naming a Gardai Officer, The Garda Commissioner, The Minister of Justice, Equality and Law reform alleging that Mr Patrick Eugene Holland murdered Veronica Guerin such statement to be defamatory, wholly untrue and which has caused serious prejudice to Patrick Eugene Holland.
"The Defendants have eight days upon which to enter an appearance. The allegations that Mr Holland had any part to play in the murder of Veronica Guerin are wholly untrue and evidently politically motivated. All of Ireland is entitled to be angry at the murder of Veronica Guerin and those responsible brought to justice and dealt with appropriately. It does not give however, the State or the Prosecuting Authorities the right to carte blanche against what the State deem to be 'target' criminals and to violate the law both civil and criminal for what is a good cause.
"The investigation into the murder of Veronica Guerin was and remains justified and supported by all in Ireland including Mr Holland and Mr Gilligan. But that investigation must not exceed its own good intentions and lawful authority. A conviction at any price is not justified and certainly will not be underwritten by the citizens of Ireland. It is for these reasons that Mr Holland now, and Mr Gilligan in due course and if needs be, has issued proceedings for defamation. Mr Holland will be making a personal statement upon his release."
Giovanni Di Stefano lawyer for Patrick Holland and Gilligan family.
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