GRA chief should be commended for speaking out over jobs embargo

AS a former member of the Garda Representative Association Executive, I wish to congratulate the outgoing president Damien McCarthy in speaking out on behalf of his members and highlighting the embargo on recruitment to the force.

He was correct in pointing out that the Government are continuing recruitment to the defence forces and correct also in pointing out that this country is not at war.

I ask Mr Shatter — “are you aware of the Memorandum of Understanding drawn up in the 1980s between the Department of Justice, the Garda Commissioner, and the collective Garda Representative Associations which gives entitlement to elected association representatives to speak out on behalf of their members on matters such as pay, conditions and welfare?

Mr Shatter has presided over the reduction in Garda manpower, transport and the removal of Uzi sub-machine guns from local Garda units. This, at a time when a Garda killer is placed in an open prison and from which he subsequently walked free, and when crime is spiralling out of control as criminals run wild throughout the country.

Damien McCarthy had every right to speak out on issues affecting his members, without the fear of the veiled threats from Mr Shatter and, indeed, it would be remiss of Damien McCarthy if he did not do so.

Tony Fagan

Enniscorthy

Co Wexford