Incoming GRA president backs controversial speech

The incoming president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has said he fully supports the sentiments and remarks contained in a controversial speech intended for the Justice Minister.

In the address, which in the end was never made, outgoing GRA Presdient Michael O' Boyce accused the Government of "national sabotage" and of being "corrupted by years of power".

The comments forced Minister Dermot Ahern to pull out of a scheduled appearance at the annual conference of the GRA in Limerick.

Incoming GRA President Damien McCarthy believes Mr O' Boyce was right in what he said.

"I have no difficulty in supporting the sentiments expressed by the outgoing president of the GRA," Mr McCarthy said.

He added that he supported Mr O'Boyce "100%".

Today the controversy was raised in the Seanad, with Green Party Chairman Dan Boyle describing the comments as "treacherous" and Senator David Norris saying they were "highly dangerous".

Mr O' Boyce said he doesn't expected to be sacked from the force over the issue.

He said he finishes his presidency this evening and will return to Donegal to finish out his career and to serve the people of Inishowen.