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, Cormac O'Keeffe, Elaine Loughlin and Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

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.