GRA: Top jobs in gardaí based on social link

Garda top brass are often appointed because of “social connections” and not necessarily on merit, according to a group which represents rank and file gardaí.

The Government’s role in appointing senior Garda officers “undermines” the morale of members and the moral authority of the force, the Garda Representative Association has claimed.

The GRA has called for the establishment of a police authority to act as a buffer between politicians and police. Such a body, it said, would have full power over the appointment of senior positions.