HAS NOTHING been learned from the Morris tribunal and its investigation of criminal behaviour by a number of rogue gardaí in Donegal? New disciplinary and administrative structures have been established. But the culture and arrogance that allowed Garda indiscipline to flourish in the first place and fostered a mindset that gardaí are above the law is reflected in a new challenge to the Garda Commissioner and to the authority of the Government.
For the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to hold a ballot on whether its members should withdraw protection from the public, strikes at the very heart of the oath they are sworn to uphold. Members of the Garda Síochána are no ordinary employees. They are entrusted with powers and weapons that are withheld from ordinary citizens. They enjoy the respect and support of the community who rely on them to defend the law. To risk all that by embarking on an illegal action in response to pay cuts the Government found it necessary to impose across the public service would be a terrible mistake.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern described the proposed ballot as “an affront to democracy” that will not be tolerated. Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy cautioned GRA officials and warned all members that such action could lead to criminal prosecutions and a loss of public trust. In spite of all that, preparations to hold a ballot are going ahead. It is reckless. And it may do dreadful damage to the image of the force.
Fine Gael’s response to the issue has been awful. An effort to make political capital from such a dangerous confrontation cannot be justified. The strongest word used by justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan to describe the proposed ballot was “misguided”. He encouraged a sense of grievance by contrasting Garda pay cuts with an exemption granted to the judiciary. As a party that regularly parades its law and order credentials, it was a shabby performance.
Some years ago, GRA general secretary PJ Stone argued before Justice Frederick Morris that the Garda Síochána should be treated as a service industry, when he and his association were blamed for obstructing the authorities in their attempts to impose discipline on out-of-control members. His views were rejected as “untenable” and likely to lead to disaster at that time. They do not appear to have changed.
Mr Stone claims his actions have been shaped by the demands of GRA members who feel “worthless and valueless”. That rings hollow. He may be influenced by memories of internal unrest over pay and pensions that caused turmoil within his association in the early 1990s. But he has always led from the front.
There is no doubt that gardaí, like other public servants, are dismayed by a reduction in their incomes. But they have not been singled out for special treatment.
The State is experiencing an emergency because the public finances were mishandled. Gardaí are not to blame. But their sworn duty is to protect the public and uphold law and order.
A strike ballot should not be held.