Royal visit policing - A job very well done

The last months have not been good for our police. An Garda Síochána has seen its reputation damaged profoundly and as further details about illegal phone tapping emerge, that is likely to continue.

During the furore, we may have lost sight of the primary objective of our police force — state security and the protection of citizens and property. Last night’s RTÉ revelations by former garda commissioner Martin Callinan, gave some indication of the scale of that challenge. The programme focussed on what was described as “a clear and present danger” to Queen Elizabeth during her visit here. That those suspected — the bizarre and criminal dissident republicans — were stymied is a tribute to the force and its dedication. Let us hope this week’s events in Britain are as well policed.