Criticism of members of Garda Síochána unfair

As a former member I feel compelled to write in defence of An Garda Síochána, after listening and reading so much criticism by so many politicians and other individuals. I would question many on whether they have vested interests in expressing their views.

Most make their criticism in the broadest manner, by making it against the “Garda Síochána”, but then speak of individual members or groups within the force. When they are challenged on the matter in most cases they will speak of the vast majority of hard working members of the force carrying out their duties. However, they will already have sucked the morale from those very same members.

The force has been denuded of station accommodation, manpower, transport and finance over the past few years and could certainly do without sweeping criticism of their efforts in keeping law and order throughout the country.

Furthermore, the insinuations that all of the senior ranks of the force are unfit to hold the position of Commissioner and, to add insult to injury, that we should look towards a civilian or worse still in my eyes, a British police officer for our next commissioner, would really be the last straw.

If one needs to cast doubt on the ability of others they should be brave enough to identify those they wish to criticise and not tarnish the many by making ill-judged sweeping statements.

Tony Fagan

Bellefield Road

Enniscorthy

Co Wexford