Ahern: No state interference in Garda promotions

JUSTICE Minister Dermot Ahern has described as “absolute hogwash” Garda claims of political interference in the promotion of officers.

Mr Ahern was yesterday responding to concerns over a directive from the Department of Finance that all promotions and appointments in the public sector, including gardaí, had to be approved by them.

The president of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) Paschal Feeney said the move — which took the power away from the Garda commissioner — smacked of “political interference”.