Dermot Ahern throws a strop - pulls out of GRA Conference address.

[Abacus]

Is any poster in a position to outline here the various elements of the speech ?

In a related sense, if the GRA/Gardai really 'believed' that there was criminal corruption at the heart of our 'functioning democracy' then why not investigate that ?

* The Gardai are not ever directed by the MoJ as to the investigations they undertake.

* Neither, contrary to common belief, does the DPP have a function in 'directing' the Gardai.

* The Gardai commence investigations on the basis of complaints made or evidence observed, known, presented to them or believed by them to exist and they are provided via the Dail with the investigative tools with which to undertake such.

If there is another basis on which they operate their powers, then please do tell what that is or may be.

Or maybe there was no belief but the 'corruption element' of the statement was being made for the impact it would make.......i.e. the adoption of a false premise for tactical maneouvring.......and if that's true.....where does that leave us ?

To summarise, if there was a genuine belief that there was criminal corruption then they should have acted in accordance with their powers and if there was no such belief, then this was mischief making of a very, very, tall order.

Now which is it ?

[dresden8]

Is any poster in a position to outline here the various elements of the speech ?

In a related sense, if the GRA/Gardai really 'believed' that there was criminal corruption at the heart of our 'functioning democracy' then why not investigate that ?

* The Gardai are not ever directed by the MoJ as to the investigations they undertake.

* Neither, contrary to common belief, does the DPP have a function in 'directing' the Gardai.

* The Gardai commence investigations on the basis of complaints made or evidence observed, known, presented to them or believed by them to exist and they are provided via the Dail with the investigative tools with which to undertake such.

If there is another basis on which they operate their powers, then please do tell what that is or may be.

Or maybe there was no belief but the 'corruption element' of the statement was being made for the impact it would make.......i.e. the adoption of a false premise for tactical maneouvring.......and if that's true.....where does that leave us ?

To summarise, if there was a genuine belief that there was criminal corruption then they should have acted in accordance with their powers and if there was no such belief, then this was mischief making of a very, very, tall order.

Now which is it ?

Two words, "Political Appointees".

[FakeViking]

Two words, "Political Appointees".

+1. They've effectively selected the entire Garda management at this stage, and a blind eye is turned on white collar crime.

And this is consistent with making sure that Paul Appelby's office were kept short-staffed, they wouldn't want anybody sniffing around.

[myksav]

Two words, "Political Appointees".

Then we must disband the entire force. And start from scratch.

[Dohville]

An GS was founded to fill a vacuum left by the withdrawal of the RIC. Its ethos was RIC based, and much of its methodology dates from the "new" policing methods of the late 19th Century. Like the PSNI, it needs to be reviewed to come in line with modern policing practice, and crime trends.
The Idea that a single force can adequately police an entire state, giving the same commitment to Urban and Rural areas is something that needs to be consigned to the history books, along with the notion of the "village garda", whose only task was to sign passport forms and stand outside the Post office on pension day.
Policing in Dublin bears no relationship to policing in Connemara, yet it is in Dublin where management is based(close to the seat of Government).
We need a regionalised system, similar to that found in the UK, where each borough or district is responsible for its own policing policies and budget. Combine that with a Gendermerie type force that would have the power to operate in all regions in detecting serious crimes.

But Donegal etc has done so much damage to the opinion of the Force in the Public eye that it no longer has the moral authority of the people that Commissioner Staines spoke of after the Foundation of the force in the 1920s.