Politicians' 'puerile shape-throwing' did nothing to strengthen policing in Ireland, expert says

Prof. O’Connell said the political system’s interest in policing was characterised by “endless debates” about mandatory sentencing and political leaders “rehearsing tired shibboleths” about law and order and “empty rhetoric” on being tough on crime. File picture: Andy Gibson

A member of the Government expert body that drafted a blueprint for Garda reform in September 2018 has hit out at “empty rhetoric of toughness” and “puerile shape-throwing” by politicians when it comes to policing.

Professor Donncha O’Connell said there was “no real debate” about policing in Ireland and slammed deputies and senators for their “plodding” examination of the Government’s landmark legislation on policing reform.