PJ Stone - a comment too far?

mike65

from rte

The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, has asked Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy to compile a report on comments made by the General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association about the new garda reserve.

PJ Stone told RTÉ News that the GRA's opposition to the new garda reserve is not over 'by any stretch of the imagination'.

Mr Stone said the organisation's opposition had not changed, and he added that the new reserve would not be welcome.

The GRA, he said, was disappointed that people would apply to join the Garda Reserve, knowing the strength of opposition among rank and file gardaí.

He said the new recruits would end up being despised and hated, and that the public does not need people who are not properly trained acting as gardaí.

He described the proposed training scheme for reservists as minimal and said it was mind boggling that they would have powers of arrest.

The association will decide on a further course of action in opposition to the reserve next month, he added.

Stones total opposition to reservists is well known of course as he seeks to protect his own members but with these comments he appears to be seeking conflict within the force to stop the new recuits.

Mike.

Villain

The system can't work without the support of the GRA imo, his comments do seem strong and its going to get messy.

I think any Reserve force should used for paperwork and where large number of Gardai are needed like sports events etc where they have support from a large number experienced Gardai. Putting these people on the front line isn't going to be good for the force or the public.

McDowell's plan isn't a viable solution without the support of the GRA.

CLADA

Could never figure out why these two have been at each others throats for so long.
Is it too simple to suggest that the Garda Reserve be made up of Garda applicants who are awaiting entry into Templemore. The applicants would get a chance to see if the job suits them and Garda management get a chance to see if the applicants are suitable.

Sponge Bob

PJ spoke up strongly , as he should, for the ingrained ethos of professional, impartial and even handed policing that we have long associated with his membership.

Funny enough PJ is a serving Garda himself and subject to Garda discipline IIRC

CLADA

What is the plan? Are they going to answer the phone, man the barriers at Croke Park. Please don't tell me they are going to arrive at crime scenes or RTA's etc.. Its hard enough for regular Gardai to get convictions in court without part timers adding to the legal loopholes...

hargo

They can be used for anything that management sees fit to use them for, they are not restricted in powers or by legislation.

lostexpectation

was he simply not describing a possibilty not a tactic, what did you think of hte people you say on TV up for training?


I wonder what happens the day these people get reservists get attacked... and hurt nad possibly not backed up by their employer.

Diogenes

Stone is utterly Barmy and the Gardai Sergeant Association regularly distants itself from his comments. Honestly he's so blooming right wing that he makes McDowell look like Trevor Sargent.

lostexpectation

Diogenes wrote:

Stone is utterly Barmy and the Gardai Sergeant Association regularly distants itself from his comments. Honestly he's so blooming right wing that he makes McDowell look like Trevor Sargent.

i know he's constantly saying disgusting things on behalf of the rank and file gardai, I don't why they havn't gotten rid of him themselves.

hmmm

The GRA seems to be trying to move itself towards a trade union rather than a representative body, which imo is a mistake. The guards are not "just another" part of the public service, they are the enforcers of the rule of law in the state. It's one thing for corporation workers or postmen to go on strike, it's something else completely when those charged with upholding the law of this state refuse to implement orders from elected government.

This is going to be messy, and I'm afraid the GRA have backed the government into a corner, which is never good from a negotiation point of view - the only way out is for the government to impose its will.