Sir, - I refer to the letter from John O'Keeffe, a member of the Garda Siochana (May 20th). Of course he is correct in his claim about that there is collective a dictatorship in relation to garda pay. i.
This whole matter is so tragic for everyone that it deserves immediate action in the interests of all, but especially those of the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, and the rank and file gardai. The Commissioner has distinguished himself since his appointment, both as the CEO of a fine force of law enforcement officers and in admitting his empathy with the garda pay claim. At the same time, he is placed in an invidious position. He must be seen to be in control but yet he appears to be powerless to assist.
Surely the PCW allows for some form of flexibility. Why is it necessary for gardai to be treated uniquely in withholding fair pay from them, while being expected to behave uniquely in acting like sheep?
Fair play must now be applied to this sorry state of affairs as a matter of urgency. - Yours, etc., Joseph O'Brien,
Knocklyon, Dublin 16.