Mick Clifford: The Garda Representative Association is out of step with its members

Twice in recent years, the top table of the GRA failed to ratify the preferred candidates for senior posts, leading to widespread anger and frustration among members, writes Mick Clifford

Damien McCarthy speaking to the media during the 2022 GRA annual conference. Despite being the preferred candidate, and having previously served in very senior roles, he was not ratified for the role of general secretary. File picture: Paul Mealey

The spectre of ‘jobs for the boys’ was one that haunted promotions in An Garda Síochána for decades. Favoured members received advancement.

This has changed somewhat in recent years, but, understandably, it remains a sensitive subject with those who believe it persists.