Just heard on RTE radio news that the Minister for Finance is to take control of recruitment and promotion in the army and the Guards.

Excuse given is the state of the economy.

Jeez, that'll do wonders for their independence from political interference, won't it?

The banana republic would seem to be getting more, er, banana republic-er.

its always been like that really... Numbers are determined by the Government.

I know what the reality's been...I was talking about the look of it - to all these foreigners that we're supposed to be trying to impress, like.

FF use the financial disaster they created to grab even more power! In the remaining lifetime of this government, every Garda, soldier, etc. will be selected by the MoF. Mugabe's Zimbawe couldn't dream of a better arrangement.

We're talking about the numbers and wage costs here, not actual individuals.

It seems all promotions in the above have been stopped unless they are seen as a necessity. Who decides the necessity is unknown??

All the promotions from Garda to Sergeant to Inspector are now at the whim of the Minister and of course army promotions are now totally controlled.

Heretofore the promotion to Superintendent and upwards was a political appointment now the rank and file promotions are also political appointments.

Are you all too blind to see what is happening, police state? preparing for doomsday?. This is very serious.

Wait until you see the programme on RTE tonight about pensions.

Time we all woke up

It could be worse. It could be the Tanaiste making these decisions

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A country which refuses to enforce its own laws has no future.

Wait until you see the programme on RTE tonight about pensions.

Why should we believe anything RTE says anymore ? They're now just an extension of the FF Press Office.

We are in a different set of circumstances, cost have to be cut. HOWEVER, its one thing to cut the overall budget and still allow the Commissioner/Chief of Staff to make operational decisions within that budget. It is quite another to have a politician controling ALL appointments.

Up to now, promotions above a certain rank (superintendant in the Guards) has been subject to Cabinate approval. This already raised questions in many quarters about political interference. And was seen to have direct consequences in the Phone Tapping Affair for example.

Having been in office for 20 years, most of the top brass are probably FFers. This is an attempt to control the footsoldiers.

C