Reforming An Garda Síochána: Softly, softly approach is not working

n recent days it has emerged, through the Charleton inquiry disinterring, that former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan wrote to former justice minister Frances Fitzgerald suggesting a form of words, an all-for-one-and-one-for-all valediction that she should use in a Dáil statement to underline her support for An Garda Síochána and its senior officer.

In recent days it has emerged, through the Charleton inquiry disinterring, that former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan wrote to former justice minister Frances Fitzgerald suggesting a form of words, an all-for-one-and-one-for-all valediction that she should use in a Dáil statement to underline her support for An Garda Síochána and its senior officer.

It was suggested to the minister, in May 2016, that she should conclude a statement with a ringing endorsement of the commissioner’s stewardship.