Ex-IFI CEO alleges he was subjected to 'intimidation and threats' after suspending chairman's brother

A former chief executive of Inland Fisheries Ireland has alleged he was subjected to intimidation and threats by the organisation's then-chairman following his decision to suspend the chairman's brother. Francis O'Donnell, who led the agency from 2020 to 2025, has brought complaints to the Workplace Relations Commission under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, asserting he was penalised as a whistleblower and subsequently dismissed unfairly. His evidence centred on the suspension of district director Pat Gorman in February 2022 after a protected disclosure alleged Mr Gorman had kept a State-owned tractor at his home and misused an IFI fuel card. Mr O'Donnell told the tribunal that chairman Fintan Gorman, the suspended director's brother, made threatening remarks suggesting he would publicise damaging information unless the suspension matter was resolved. The hearing, held in public at the WRC, heard allegations that governance information was subsequently leaked to a journalist with connections to the Gorman brothers. Adjudicator Michael MacNamee adjourned the case overnight.