Garda body slam no show by Frances Fitzgerald at time of 'crisis' in the force

Mid-ranking gardaí have launched a scathing attack on Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald over her failure to attend their annual conference at a time of “crisis” in the force — and are set to have a cut at the Garda commissioner when she arrives later today.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said it fears that the “finger of blame” is pointing down at frontline supervisors like them and rank-and-file gardaí, with one association leader saying he did not think the blame will rest with them once investigations conclude.

AGSI president Antoinette Cunningham is set to spell out to commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, who will address their annual conference in Killarney, how her members feel about comments she made at an Oireachtas Justice Committee at the end of last month.