Family of murdered Garda Horkan call for public inquiry

The family of Detective Colm Horkan, who was tragically shot dead while on duty in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, six years ago, has called for a public inquiry into the incident. Colm Horkan was killed by Stephen Silver, who managed to seize the garda's gun from its holster. The Horkan family has expressed their concern that several individuals, including protected disclosers, have repeatedly stated that this particular holster was known to be faulty and unfit for purpose.

A recent RTÉ Investigates programme revealed these troubling facts, intensifying the family's concerns and the unanswered questions surrounding the case. In a statement, the Horkan family emphasized their request for an independent public inquiry, not only for Colm but to also shed light on the handling of such matters within State bodies, particularly An Garda Síochána.

They further expressed their lack of confidence in the current system, stating that they have no faith in obtaining the truth without an independent public inquiry. Despite this, they believe that the Minister for Justice and other authorities should have nothing to fear from such an inquiry, yet their requests have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears.