Collins Inquiry - Statement from Mr Adam Feeley

Please find below a statement from Mr Adam Feeley, Former Director of the Serious Fraud Office.

"I am pleased that the inquiry was undertaken and with the outcome announced today, especially given the unprecedented level of speculation, criticism and comment around investigations into the collapse of finance companies - much of which bore little truth to reality.

That said, in this modern age of blogs, Twitter and unregulated social media, the public sector and law enforcement agencies in particular are, and will continue to be, subject to intense public scrutiny and media attention. This in itself is not a bad thing, until they are used for undisclosed personal agendas and interests.

Just as Ministers should have confidence in their chief executives, those working in the public service must also have confidence that their Ministers will support them and act in the best interests of their portfolios. It is therefore reassuring that the inquiry has found no evidence to suggest that Minister Collins acted in any improper way.

At the commencement of this inquiry I said that the public could be confident that the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) always acted with integrity and was not influenced by political, public or media views. I am sure that they will be reassured that this inquiry confirms that position."

Ends

Mr Feeley is unavailable for further comment or interview.

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