McBride clashes with MPs over 'intelligence' job and attitude

Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride’s testimony before the Parliament Ad Hoc committee got off to a bad start on Tuesday, where he clashed with members of Parliament (MPs) over his employment and attitude.

McBride refused to disclose his employment, which he said is prohibited by intelligence legislation. 

MPs also slammed McBride for making funny gestures during the opening remarks by some committee members and submitting an outdated CV.

McBride will be in the hot seat for the next two days, where he’s expected to answer allegations of his role in interfering in police operations. 

But before MPs could interrogate him, McBride refused to disclose his employment - which is in the country’s intelligence structures.

“I’m not allowed to say what my employment is,” he said.

Members urged him to confirm his employment, with Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Leigh-Anne Mathys also complaining about his attitude.

“It tells us that Mr McBride is not taking this ad hoc committee seriously. He’s just indifferent. He’s just here like oh you called me here,” said Mathys.

McBride will continue giving evidence and is also expected to respond to allegations that he colluded with forensic investigator, Paul O’Sullivan, to target certain senior officials.