"Sacrificial lamb" fear over garda file transfer

THE Garda Representative Association is concerned that members could become "sacrificial lambs" following news that files could be sent to the DPP over alleged garda misconduct during an anti-capitalist rally in Dublin in May.

GRA general secretary PJ Stone said he was concerned morale in the force would be damaged if gardaí were prosecuted for their handling of a disturbance after the protest march by Reclaim The Streets, a network of anti-globalisation groups.

“There will be a stage very shortly when members of the force will be afraid to do their duty because of the implications,” Mr Stone said.

The GRA represents nearly 9,000 rank and file gardaí.

Mr Stone said that demoralisation existed in the force and this would worsen if gardaí were not allowed to do their job.

“There has to be an understanding of what police officers face,” he said.

“It will shortly come to the stage when we are blamed for the bad weather.”

He made his comments yesterday following reports that at least five gardaí could be singled out for possible prosecution for their actions during the protest.

However, the Garda Press Office would not comment on how many files, which allege that gardaí on duty that day used excessive force in quelling the disturbance, were likely to be sent to the DPP.

A spokesman said there was an internal investigation of the allegations.

“The matter is still under investigation, but the investigation shouldn’t take too much longer,” he said.

“It will probably be finished in a matter of weeks.”

It is understood that in a separate inquiry, the Garda Complaints Board was investigating 40 grievances about the force’s handling of the May Day protest.

That inquiry, headed by retired Assistant Commissioner Jim McHugh, will look into alleged injuries inflicted on protesters.

It will also examine why some gardaí were not wearing official identity numbers on their uniforms that day.