DPP directions still awaited on alleged electoral fraud in Kerry

The DPP has not made a decision on whether or not there will be any prosecution in relation to alleged electoral fraud in Kerry during the last local elections in 2019.

The Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission has confirmed that their investigation has concluded.

The organisation opened a “a public interest investigation” into irregularities of voter registration in Kerry in May 2019. The investigation was under Section 102(4) of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, which allows an enquiry to be opened into a matter in the interest of public interest, even if a complaint has not been made.

Their investigation began after Kerry County Council, who are responsible for maintaining the electoral register, confirmed that they had written to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris about alleged electoral fraud in the county.

A complaint was made to Killarney Garda Station at the time which centred around the addition of voters to the supplementary electoral register for the Killarney Electoral Area.

In order to be added to the supplementary register, voters have to present themselves to their local garda station.

However, it was alleged ahead of the 2019 that a tranche of forms in Kerry may have been signed by a garda without electors being present.

The allegations centre around more than 200 votes.

With local elections approaching again, the issue has come to light. GSOC confirmed to The Kerryman this week that a file has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“A direction by the DPP is awaited, and GSOC will be making no further comment at this time,” the statement said.

The Garda Press office said it was a matter for GSOC.

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