SF proposes taking Garda oversight powers away from politicians

Sinn Féin has published proposals to take the power over the Gardaí away from politicians.

The submission for a new Garda Authority would see it established independently and have oversight of the force and the confidential recipient.

The authority would be made up of 20 members drawn from various sectors of society.

However, the party still allows for politicians to be represented on the new authority.

Their justice spokesman, Padraig MacLochlainn, said the numbers should be based on political strength "to make sure that all voices are there", with the independent members of the authority "recruited through open and fair competition".