THE row over the Taoiseach’s handling of the premature retirement of former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan is, in many ways, a diversion from the urgent need for major root and branch reform of the Garda Siochána and our criminal justice system in general.

The garda sergeant who last week died by apparent suicide in a Donegal garda station had told his wife he was facing up to five years in prison after being questioned by Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) investigators.

Two members of An Garda Siochána dealing with a domestic disturbance were assaulted by a teenager, with one officer knocked to the ground and the teen’s legs wrapped around her neck.

One of the biggest personnel shake-ups for years has taken place in the ranks of An Garda Siochána with six officers being promoted to the rank of chief superintendent and a further 34 inspectors elevated to superintendent.

Mark C. Nolan, €30