QUESTIONS have been asked over how the Co Down man who shot dead Garda Tony Golden was granted bail earlier this year.
Adrian Crevan Mackin had been questioned about paramilitary offences on several occasions and was charged with IRA membership at the Special Criminal Court in January.
However, he was released on condition he comply with bail conditions which included signing on daily at Dundalk Garda station and residing at the house in Omeath.
The Director of Public Prosecutions consented to bail and it was not opposed by gardaí.
Mackin shot dead Garda Golden and seriously injured his ex-partner Siobhán Phillips when they returned to a house in Omeath to recover belongings following a domestic abuse complaint on October 11.
He then turned the gun on himself.
Mackin had prior convictions in Northern Ireland for possession of a handgun as well as having extreme pornographic images.
He was on a suspended sentence for the weapons offence at the time of the shooting.
He had been put off the republican wing in Portlaoise prison by other inmates who believed him to be an informer.
Authorities are facing questions about why Garda Golden was allowed to travel to the house in Omeath without back up given the gunman's past.
Former minister for justice Dermot Ahern said also answers were needed over how Garda Golden’s killer had access to a handgun.
