The body representing rank-and-file gardaí could learn a tactical lesson from how Garda Inspectorate head Kathleen O'Toole has addressed issues relating to the establishment of the new Garda Reserve. In a wide-ranging radio interview - her first since taking charge of the inspectorate - Ms O'Toole questioned whether the 14-week training period being provided to reservists was adequate. She did so in a considered manner, linking the level of training to the nature of duties reservists will be expected to carry out.
The measured nature of her intervention is diametrically different to that of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), the organisation representing thousands of police officers of garda rank. The GRA has repeatedly wrong-footed itself through an ill-conceived and hysterical approach to the creation of the reserve.
It is entitled to express its concerns about the appointment of part-time police officers. But gardaí, through their membership of a disciplined force and as guardians of the law in a democratic State, must accept the will of the Oireachtas which has legislated for the reserve.
The GRA was forced into an embarrassing U-turn in May after its incoming president, John Egan, announced plans to campaign against Government TDs in tight constituencies at the next election if plans for the reserve were not abandoned.
All the more surprising then that GRA general secretary PJ Stone should place himself in similar territory five months later by suggesting that the new force would be "despised and hated" in the same way as An Taca Síochána, a Garda support body established under emergency powers in 1939. As the first reservists began training last weekend, the Garda Commissioner described Mr Stone's remarks as "unhelpful and unacceptable" while the Minister for Justice suggested that Mr Stone might be subject to sanction under the terms of legislation prohibiting action that would threaten from within the cohesion and effectiveness of the Garda or challenge its authority.
Mr Stone and the GRA executive have spent many months playing to their own gallery. In the process, they have been out-manoeuvred by the Minister and the Department of Justice. As they consider their next step, they would do well to cut their losses and recognise that there is firm public backing for the reserve.
The ideological battle over its establishment is over and the GRA should move on by linking co-operation with the reserve to progress on outstanding and legitimate industrial relations issues. Rank and file gardaí still have much to gain - not least in terms of public support - from doing so.