Efforts to reunite the garda representative factions who have been in dispute for more than three years appear to have come to yet another impasse.
A row has broken out over the implementation of reforms to the Garda Representative Association (GRA), the original body representing rank and file gardai. The reforms were to pave the way for the acceptance back into the GRA of representatives of around 3,500 members who were in dispute with the leadership.
The main breakaway group, the Garda Federation, which a few weeks ago was on the verge of re-amalgamating with the GRA, last night accused the GRA of refusing to implement reforms agreed in negotiations chaired by the ICTU General Secretary, Mr Peter Cassells.
The Garda Federation said that despite huge support for the reforms, the GRA leadership is now refusing to adopt a draft resolution which would lead to fresh elections to its central committee. "The lack of support for the resolution at the GRA central executive committee meeting on Thursday means that the GRA and the Federation Unification is once again exasperatingly delayed. This may be viewed as having less than full confidence in Mr Cassells and Congress whose experience in the field of union amalgamation is well proven," the Federation said.
It is understood the GRA's failure to move has again led Government to reconsider legislation to dissolve the GRA and create an entirely new association.