Justice minister urges talks but AGSI to begin strike action on Friday

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has accused a leading garda group of ignoring the views of its own members and the “very significant benefits” offered under the Lansdowne Road deal after it announced plans to begin industrial action from this Friday.

The Tánaiste made the controversial claim after the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors confirmed it is joining forces with the Garda Representative Association — and as Fianna Fáil urged Taoiseach Enda Kenny to step in to resolve the crisis.

In a controversial but well-flagged step yesterday, the AGSI said it is joining the rank-and-file GRA in unprecedented and illegal strike action next month.