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

[Libero]

You know, will you just ever cop on?

Your thesis seems to be that the State's security forces can absolve themselves from their duty because they don't agree with Government policy.

Your knowledge of politics would embarrass a X Factor contestant.

And your thesis seems to be that the GRA should never express a political opinion, or at least not one that really offends the Minister of the day.

Can you explain to us how a representative body of a type of public servant can ever, ever represent its members' views without either praising or criticising the relevant Minister and the government?

If you don't want a GRA, because it will inevitably speak on political matters affecting its membership, that's fair enough.

But you seem to accept the fact the GRA has long existed, yet somehow manage to roll yourself up in a ball of fury when, inevitably in the current climate, its President criticises the Minister for Justice.

That's just naive and incoherent.

[rubensni]

The GRA are absolutely right to say it like it is.

[devnull]

I already said to you that if we live in ordinary times, I would agree with you.

But this gov aren't addressing the anger in the country because of the mess that the gov watched happen.

Why should anyone be surprised at the anger at the teachers conferences or the GRA.........

The teachers unions faced the same decision - they all either kept their protests within limits or didn't invite the minister.
The GRA don't have a human right to a sacrificial minister to humiliate at their conference.

[flavirostris]

Mr O' Boyce said Fianna Fáil had sacrificed the greater good and prosperity of Ireland to protect "economic traitors"

actually he was spot on in his comments. Perfect summation of what has been going on

[goosebump]

And your thesis seems to be that the GRA should never express a political opinion, or at least not one that really offends the Minister of the day.

It should never express a political opinion, full stop.

Can you explain to us how a representative body of a type of public servant can ever, ever represent its members' views without either praising or criticising the relevant Minister and the government?

The GRA can put its concerns to the Minister about the welfare of Gardai, including what they are paid. There is a big difference in that and saying things like "Fianna Fáil had sacrificed the greater good and properity of Ireland to protect economic traitors", as well you know.

If you don't want a GRA, because it will inevitably speak on political matters affecting its membership, that's fair enough.

I have no problem with the GRA speaking on behalf of its members. I have a big problem with the GRA positioning itself at political loggerheads with a sitting Government.

[Tomas Mor]

Minister was quite right to stay away. Gardai are well protected and ring fenced from recession. Those upholders of law and order must not descend to gurrier level. Their forebears who founded the state would turn in their graves. BTW Garda GRA reps are paid state money for meetings, plus state pays for their postage. Why not remove it and let them up their subs to pay for it.

[Abaddon]

Your thesis seems to be that the State's security forces can absolve themselves from their duty because they don't agree with Government policy.

Their duty is to protect the public not blindly follow the orders and policies of the government.

Do you think that just because someone becomes a Garda that they imediately cease to be a member of the public.

[loner]

Yes, he's right of course. If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. And it looks like he'll be permanently out of office soon enough, with someone else having to fix the mess he created.

He hadnt the guts to go to the meeting and answer the points made by the Gardai because he does not have a defence--FFare corrupt Haughey Burke Lawlor to mention a few and how many more are there --you could go on and on. The Gardai were not the body to spell out the position but the incompetence of the Government and their treatment of the taxpayers have driven them to these intemperate comments. The time has arrived for a General Election to let
the people pass judgement on thisGovernment that has no support from the people.

[Abaddon]

Minister was quite right to stay away. Gardai are well protected and ring fenced from recession. Those upholders of law and order must not descend to gurrier level. Their forebears who founded the state would turn in their graves. BTW Garda GRA reps are paid state money for meetings, plus state pays for their postage. Why not remove it and let them up their subs to pay for it.

Where are you posting from? Ahern's constituancy office?

[goosebump]

Their duty is to protect the public not blindly follow the orders and policies of the government.

So following orders should be optional for Gardai?