Garda tensions ratchet up

Not since a group of young gardaí were sacked for fighting for improved pay in 1961 have tensions between members of the force and their political masters been so pronounced.

The Macushla Revolt, as it was known, created a precedent. The sackings set off a chain of events that ultimately led to improved pay and conditions.

Fifty two years on, more precedents are being set on both sides of the fence, which have seen the nuclear clock tick steadily towards midnight.