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.