Independent State negotiators have been called in to help avert the pending national policing crisis that is now just six days away.

The Fennelly Commission was set up in the midst of a string of controversies to dog Enda Kenny, the justice minister, and the gardaí and so we have to look at the political context of everything that’s flowed from it, writes Michael Clifford

A keen tennis player, Alan Shatter had set up camp at the back of the political court for months backhanding a seeming endless number of crises — without, apparently, breaking much sweat.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors begin a two-day meeting today to decide whether it will escalate a campaign against cuts to members’ premium payments.

Nurses and doctors want a full meeting of the public service negotiating team for a “detailed debate” on the Government’s demand for premium payment cuts under Croke Park II.

Two officers stationed in Cork have been elected as presidents of the largest Garda representative associations with a combined membership of 13,300.

A SPECIAL Garda unit is being set up to document, monitor and investigate clerical sex abuse cases and other sexual offences.

GARDAÍ across the country want armed officers on the street on a permanent basis to combat an “increase in armed violence”.

JUSTICE Minister Dermot Ahern has denied there is a crisis looming in the Garda Síochána due to a mounting exodus of experienced gardaí from the force.

THE main Garda associations yesterday expressed concern at the establishment of new armed Garda response units, set up to combat rising gun crime across the country.

THE main Garda associations condemned yesterday’s shooting and said it highlighted the threat to members of the force.

GARDA associations yesterday said police and the public could not be exposed to the same level of violence which marked the Love Ulster rally last year.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has today published draft regulations to govern the reporting of corruption and malpractice in An Garda Síochána.

THE two garda associations engaged in a bitter row over the garda reserve are to hold meetings with Justice Minister Michael McDowell over the coming days.

GARDA representatives have called for an independent body to monitor any possible health damage associated with their planned digital communication system.

I BELIEVE Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte was correct recently to raise concerns about the possible closure of rural garda stations.

GARDA associations are due to meet management in the Waterford division following, what gardaí claim, is the effective “disbandment” of the local drugs unit.

GARDAÍ are to test a range of non-lethal weapons and safety equipment designed to protect members from violent attacks.