Commissioner’s absence from 11,500-strong Garda Representative Association conference a turn for the worse
, morale is at an all-time low, relations with upper management are worse than ever and a large chunk of the organisation is supposedly heading for the door.
The commissioner’s attendance at the annual event provides rank-and-file members a rare opportunity to share their grievances directly with the Garda’s most senior officer. Forgoing this opportunity illustrates the widening chasm between members and management. The association’s incoming vice-president Det Garda Niall Hodgins suggested part of the issue is Harris, having come up through the PSNI, was never a GRA member.
The present crisis has many causes. Rank-and-file gardaí are upset about a new roster system which they say will mean less time off. Pensions are also a problem, as is the increasing number of officers leaving the force early and the introduction of computer systems which members say serve little purpose except to create work.
“Clearly, there was some sort of intelligence available to him that there may have been a threat to these people who represent us at the highest office in the land. So I’m afraid I find his comments somewhat disingenuous.” Harris is something of a closed book. He keeps a close circle of confidants around him and his focus on discipline and doing things strictly by the book has caused even senior members of the force to feel alienated at times.
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