Lenihan should say no to senior garda officers

I HAVE read the report of the working group chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes to advise the Garda Commissioner on a variety of issues concerning garda reform.

The report strongly advocated that the force needs to move away from the system where promotion to senior ranks comes in one’s 50s.

Senator Hayes was one of the principal architects of the Patten Report on police reform in the North.

The results of their deliberations are plain to see as the PSNI is now a modern, well-resourced police force serving two divided communities.

Some months ago the association representing garda superintendents and chief superintendents sought to have their retirement age increased from 60 to 63 as they “felt they had something to offer”.

This assertion is contrary to the recommendations of Senator Hayes, and Justice Minister Brian Lenihan should not give in to a vested interest group by granting an extension of its retirement age.

If he does, it will mean that members in their 60s will be promoted to senior management positions, which is 20 years outside the timeframe suggested by the working group.

One can easily imagine the stagnating effects and Dad’s Army leadership qualities such a decision would produce.

John Murphy

Burlington Road

Ballsbridge

Dublin 4