Sir, –Tony Fagan’s spirited defence of the Garda Síochána (June 6th) should be applauded and the points he makes about the unfounded criticism levelled at the force do have a level of validity. I am, however, not sure where he is going with his view that the appointment of a senior British police officer to the position of commissioner would be “the last straw”.
Really? The Garda Síochána, like most police forces in the developed world is undergoing a tsunami of change and perspective. It is operating in a changing environment and is now more then ever being brought to account by an educated and less deferential public.
To steer the force though these challenging times it goes without saying that the next commissioner should have that “X factor”, with a proven record in delivering the goods. The present temporary incumbent does appear to tick all the right boxes, but this shouldn’t deter the appointing body from casting its net far and wide to appoint the right candidate. The people of Ireland deserve nothing less. If the process comes up with a senior British police officer as the best candidate, then he or she should be appointed. No ifs, no buts. – Yours, etc,
FRANK GREANEY ,
Lonsdale Road,
Formby, Liverpool.