Reserve force - Time for talks to solve garda row

Whatever virtues may be attached to the establishment of a garda reserve force, they are ill-served by the polarisation between Justice Minister Michael McDowell and the majority of gardaí.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) are implacably against the idea, while the Association of Garda Chief Superintendents (AGCS) has said it has a “number of issues” with the new body.

The latter association, while appearing to be tentative on the issue, is at least having consultations next week with the Department of Justice about it, although the first meeting will only take place on Monday.