Labour seeks independent body to investigate gardaí

The Labour Party has reiterated its belief that Monday’s clashes between gardaí and anti-capitalist protestors highlight the need for an independent police ombudsman in Ireland.

Labour is seeking an independent investigation into the incident amid claims that the gardaí involved over-reacted and used heavy-haded tactics.

“We don’t know what provocation the gardaí endured, but certainly if this was in Northern Ireland, we would have a police ombudsman taking the complaints of ordinary citizens and investigating them

independently of the Garda Siochana,” Labour leader Ruairi Quinn said.

“South of the border, because our complaints system is so antiquated, the gardaí will investigate themselves and I know from my own experience that many people are dissatisfied with that process.”