No blue horizon for An Garda Síochána

Changes in the force have been at a snail’s pace, and met with a degree of resistance from members that is more associated with children, writes Michael Clifford

THESE are tough times for the gardaí. Tough for those who have invested their careers in the force. Tough for those who have given the best years of their life to policing. Tough for the young men and women who have recently joined up, brimming with energy and idealism.

Currently, much of the focus on the travails of An Garda Siochana is directed at Nóirín O’Sullivan. Yet she could well argue that her biggest problem is dumb luck. If she had been commissioner at any other time in the force’s history, she might well be considered to be doing a fine job.