Top Garda calls for politer policing

Tks Deadwood for a fair and measured response. There is much truth in what you say. However the issue here is basically 'Garda relationships with public' and in that context perhaps my observations are not out of place.

You ask for a quote for what I say and I had thought initially of referring you to the Morris Tribunal Report but that is an exhaustive experience which I won't try to burden you with. Perhaps you can get a sufficient flavour of what I'm referring to if you do a Google on: "don't hang your own" +"Morris Report" where there are a number of relevant accounts recorded. That's just a speedy way of getting to grips with the point at issue. The Report itself if you have the time for it would be the real deal on references.

As I was searching for those references, I came across an account of the various sackings and disciplinary proceedings undertaken in the wake of the report and it was quite impressive in the sanctions area and I acknowledge that straight away. I seem to remember too that Judge Morris in a brilliantly candid piece of writing at the end of his voluminous report (3rd or 4th Tome, I think) made some very insightful remarks about the corroding effects of wrongdoing condoned.


As a taxpayer, I hope that the changes are fair and effective and don't doubt the good intent of all concerned. I have no personal gripe with the Gardai and will support them to the hilt in all appropriate circumstances.
Their task has not been made any easier by some of the things done under their banner in the recent past.

However, I would point out that it is no answer to wrongdoing to make the primary response that "it was the orthodoxy of the day"....."sure we weren't the only ones'....."look at all those" etc. That is about as acceptable as would the street offender's response be to a Garda taking enforcement action: " sure aren't they all doing it....why ya picking on me" ? He'd get short shrift and rightly so yet he/she thinks thats an OK answer.