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Drew Harris appointed Garda commissioner.

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,513 ✭✭✭✭ohnonotgmail




  • Posts: 25,611 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    6541 wrote: »
    Meh, the Gardai were hostile enough to Irish people fleeing persecution for years. If this guy is one of those cop-cops then it'll only be good.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,951 ✭✭✭6541


    He is a Presbyterian Ulster Man, who's father was killed by the IRA. Who cut his teeth in the RUC. What can possibly go wrong !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,223 ✭✭✭✭Donald Trump


    Those Protestants

    Up to no good as usual




  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 12,812 Mod ✭✭✭✭riffmongous


    Gardai must think a United Ireland is on the cards in the next while, getting the integration process started early


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,539 ✭✭✭✭murpho999


    What has his religion go to with this?

    It should be about his ability.

    Be good for the Gardai to have an outside influence.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,513 ✭✭✭✭ohnonotgmail


    6541 wrote: »
    He is a Presbyterian Ulster Man, who's father was killed by the IRA. Who cut his teeth in the RUC. What can possibly go wrong !


    in what way is he hostile to irish culture?


  • Posts: 25,611 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    6541 wrote: »
    He is a Presbyterian Ulster Man, who's father was killed by the IRA. Who cut his teeth in the RUC. What can possibly go wrong !
    What do you foresee him doing?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,929 ✭✭✭✭_Kaiser_


    His dad, an RUC Superintendent, having being killed in an IRA attack would make him a bit of an odd choice to head up AGS alright - but at the same time I wholeheartedly welcome the fact that he's not one of the "old guard". We've seen how well THAT works out!

    A complete RUC/PSNI-style reform of AGS is what's needed to restore confidence and integrity to the force at this stage. Maybe he'll be the one to lead it, but it will absolutely depend on support from the Dept and Minister for Justice if he's to achieve antyhing IMO.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,299 ✭✭✭✭The Backwards Man


    I'd take him over a bigot any day of the week.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,863 ✭✭✭seachto7


    6541 wrote: »

    Well, isn't this another step to convincing those of a unionist/presbyterian persuasion of their place in a potential UI? How is he "hostile"?

    Or is this now republican types showing their true colours?

    His religion should have nothing to do with this, and I don't know why you highlighted it in your post.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭Taytoland


    For God and Ulster Drew!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,929 ✭✭✭✭_Kaiser_


    seachto7 wrote: »
    Well, isn't this another step to convincing those of a unionist/presbyterian persuasion of their place in a potential UI? How is he "hostile"?

    Or is this now republican types showing their true colours?

    His religion should have nothing to do with this, and I don't know why you highlighted it in your post.

    Nothing to do with religion, but perhaps there could be a bit of bitterness or resentment (even unconsciously) that could affect his decisions as head of AGS? I'd think that's more what the poster was getting at?

    Of course, it may not be an issue at all and I for one would welcome some badly-needed new blood within the senior ranks of AGS. As I said though, ministerial/departmental support will be key. We've already seen what AGS do when threatened from within (close ranks, intimidation, refusal to cooperate etc)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,298 ✭✭✭✭VinLieger


    6541 wrote: »


    Even if he was, how would that in any way affect his ability to do the job?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,513 ✭✭✭✭ohnonotgmail


    _Kaiser_ wrote: »
    Nothing to do with religion, but perhaps there could be a bit of bitterness or resentment (even unconsciously) that could affect his decisions as head of AGS? I'd think that's more what the poster was getting at?



    bitterness and resentment against the IRA possibly. I'm sure there are plenty already in the gardai who dont like them either.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭Taytoland


    _Kaiser_ wrote: »
    seachto7 wrote: »
    Well, isn't this another step to convincing those of a unionist/presbyterian persuasion of their place in a potential UI? How is he "hostile"?

    Or is this now republican types showing their true colours?

    His religion should have nothing to do with this, and I don't know why you highlighted it in your post.

    Nothing to do with religion, but perhaps there could be a bit of bitterness or resentment (even unconsciously) that could affect his decisions as head of AGS? I'd think that's more what the poster was getting at?

    Of course, it may not be an issue at all and I for one would welcome some badly-needed new blood within the senior ranks of AGS. As I said though, ministerial/departmental support will be key. We've already seen what AGS do when threatened from within (close ranks, intimidation, refusal to cooperate etc)

    Resentment towards who?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,299 ✭✭✭✭The Backwards Man


    6541 wrote: »
    He is a Presbyterian Ulster Man, who's father was killed by the IRA. Who cut his teeth in the RUC. What can possibly go wrong !

    Anyone who despises cowardly murderous IRA bastards can't be all bad.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,564 ✭✭✭✭whiskeyman


    It'll take more than a new face at the top to sort out the mess in AGS, no matter who it is.

    Still, a step in the right direction.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,951 ✭✭✭6541


    Anyone who despises cowardly murderous IRA bastards can't be all bad.

    Anybody that despises people who enabled sectarian state collusion can't be bad either !


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,299 ✭✭✭✭The Backwards Man


    6541 wrote: »
    Anybody that despises people who enabled sectarian state collusion can be bad either !

    Have you evidence that he did? Or is his religion enough for you?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,458 ✭✭✭✭gandalf


    Delighted he's not from the usual stable. Hopefully its the sign there is going to be a complete overhaul of AGS from the top down.

    I suspect a few senior Gardai will now resign early in a huff though....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,980 ✭✭✭minikin


    6541 wrote: »
    This guy is possibly hostile to Irish culture.

    Some previous commissioners have been too close to their political masters.
    Bit of independence (healthy distance from the prevailing culture) may be no bad thing for the Gardai.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭Taytoland


    6541 wrote: »
    Anybody that despises people who enabled sectarian state collusion can be bad either !

    Have you evidence that he did? Or is his religion enough for you?
    Of course he doesn't. Imagine using his religion in the title to question his merits.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,223 ✭✭✭✭Donald Trump


    Headline on the Independent link
    First 'outsider' to head up An Garda Síochána as Drew Harris takes Commissioner role

    There is obviously only one appropriate response to that!



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,275 ✭✭✭Your Face


    So he is an anti IRA Gardai Commissioner.

    That's fine with me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43,028 ✭✭✭✭SEPT 23 1989


    so after a worldwide search of the worlds police forces this is the best they could appoint?

    absolute joke


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,834 ✭✭✭OOnegative




  • Registered Users Posts: 2,154 ✭✭✭opinionated3


    Anyone who despises cowardly murderous IRA bastards can't be all bad.

    The RUC were utter scum as well, or had you forgotten that.


  • Registered Users Posts: 8,136 ✭✭✭Odhinn


    6541 wrote: »


    ….the PSNI, formerly the RUC, notoriously secretive and a law unto themselves. He'll fit right in.


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Gardai must think a United Ireland is on the cards in the next while, getting the integration process started early

    My thoughts almost exactly (I'd say the senior civil servants are factoring it in at this stage), and that BBC poll last week is making it clear how things are changing in the North regarding reunification.

    42% of people in North want a United Ireland

    Fewer NI people feel British than other UK regions


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭Taytoland


    Gardai must think a United Ireland is on the cards in the next while, getting the integration process started early

    My thoughts almost exactly (I'd say the senior civil servants are factoring it in at this stage), and that BBC poll last week is making it clear how things are changing in the North regarding reunification.

    42% of people in North want a United Ireland

    Fewer NI people feel British than other UK regions
    It was 21% in another poll who want a United Ireland last month. Maybe he just got appointed because he is highly experienced and great at his job. I do find it funny though how some think it is some grand conspiracy for unification. :cheerful:


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Gardai must think a United Ireland is on the cards in the next while, getting the integration process started early

    wrong way dear chap.

    Best dig out those union flags you've been keeping in store for all those years.

    God save our gra.............


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,596 ✭✭✭Hitman3000


    New broom sweeps clean and all that. He has first hand experience of root and branch reform in a Police force. I would give the guy the benefit of the doubt over another insider.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,596 ✭✭✭Hitman3000


    gandalf wrote:
    I suspect a few senior Gardai will now resign early in a huff though....


    With luck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 60,886 ✭✭✭✭Agent Coulson


    I feel sorry for the man when he sees how bad our judicial system he will regret taking the job.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,513 ✭✭✭✭ohnonotgmail


    I feel sorry for the man when he sees how bad our judicial system he will regret taking the job.


    with a salary of €250,000 a year i'm sure he will put up with it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 60,886 ✭✭✭✭Agent Coulson


    with a salary of €250,000 a year i'm sure he will put up with it.

    He was making €200k in his former job.


    Price of housing and cost of living down here he will be worse off.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,513 ✭✭✭✭ohnonotgmail


    He was making €200k in his former job.


    Price of housing and cost of living down here he will be worse off.


    really? his basic salary as a deputy chief constable was in the region of 163,000. they get allowances on top of that so about 180,000 in total. His basic salary will be 250,000 (about £220,000) plus most like some allowances as well. Its a nice little bump. Not forgetting whatever they put into his pension pot as well. Plus he will still be young enough for a Chief Constable position in the uk at the end of his 5 years.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 12,534 Mod ✭✭✭✭Amirani


    so after a worldwide search of the worlds police forces this is the best they could appoint?

    absolute joke

    Pay cap of 250k. Heads of top police forces around the world probably unlikely to uproot their family to come to expensive Ireland to take charge of a police force in a jurisdiction they no nothing about for that amount.

    No surprise that the appointee is someone with a knowledge of Irish policing. On what basis do you think they're not suitable for the job?


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 12,812 Mod ✭✭✭✭riffmongous


    Aegir wrote: »
    wrong way dear chap.

    Best dig out those union flags you've been keeping in store for all those years.

    God save our gra.............
    I suppose no wonder the west brits are so protective of the monarchy, when theyve got nothing else to believe in, zero chance of Ireland rejoining UK, not even a chance of joining the commonwealth, United Ireland getting more likely, british army about to get hammered in the courts, Brexit tearing apart the union, dark times


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  • Registered Users Posts: 4,845 ✭✭✭timthumbni


    Aegir wrote: »
    wrong way dear chap.

    Best dig out those union flags you've been keeping in store for all those years.

    God save our gra.............
    I suppose no wonder the west brits are so protective of the monarchy, when theyve got nothing else to believe in, zero chance of Ireland rejoining UK, not even a chance of joining the commonwealth, United Ireland getting more likely, british army about to get hammered in the courts, Brexit tearing apart the union, dark times

    West brits????

    Wtf are you a mod on exactly????? The drunk, crying, tricolour pants wearing republican forum?????.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭Taytoland


    timthumbni wrote: »
    Aegir wrote: »
    wrong way dear chap.

    Best dig out those union flags you've been keeping in store for all those years.

    God save our gra.............
    I suppose no wonder the west brits are so protective of the monarchy, when theyve got nothing else to believe in, zero chance of Ireland rejoining UK,  not even a chance of joining the commonwealth, United Ireland getting more likely, british army about to get hammered in the courts, Brexit tearing apart the union, dark times

    West brits????  

    Wtf are you a mod on exactly?????  The drunk, crying, tricolour pants wearing republican forum?????.
    It's because he's a Prod some don't like it. So much for the equality, tolerance and respect agenda. The guy has more than enough qualifications for the role.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,667 ✭✭✭Hector Bellend




  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    timthumbni wrote: »
    West brits????

    Wtf are you a mod on exactly????? The drunk, crying, tricolour pants wearing republican forum?????.

    Or *****, as most people refer to them


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,363 ✭✭✭✭Del.Monte


    The RUC were utter scum as well, or had you forgotten that.

    Generalisation much. :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,381 ✭✭✭facehugger99


    _Kaiser_ wrote: »
    His dad, an RUC Superintendent, having being killed in an IRA attack would make him a bit of an odd choice to head up AGS alright -.

    The IRA murdered members of AGS too.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,950 ✭✭✭ChikiChiki


    Great move because lets be honest another internal appointment would have been a disaster. I don't think high ranking Gardai will make it easy for him. Hopefully he's a tough nut who starts reform swiftly against a tide of resistance.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,281 ✭✭✭CrankyHaus


    Unless they separate Garda policing from national security functions this makes no sense.

    Harris' loyalty has always been to a foreign power. It was revealed at the Smithwick Tribunal that as PSNI head of intelligence he was its interface with MI5. Hardly a safe set of hands for matters of national security.

    No adverse reflection on Harris' character intended : he appears to be a talented, experienced and principled Police officer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,000 ✭✭✭✭Spanish Eyes


    I wish him well.

    I hope he gets the support he deserves from the rank and file who were thwarted by corruption and ineptitude over many years.

    The support for him may just come from those not far up the ranks. I hope he gets a decent budget and support. Could be the best thing ever for this country. Hope so anyway.

    Am not one bit worried or even thinking of the fact that he is ex PSNI, they had to go through their own very painful reforms and transition and it has worked reasonably well. So he knows what cleaning out a dodgy organisation is like!

    Am very pleased it wasn't another insider.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,363 ✭✭✭✭Del.Monte


    CrankyHaus wrote: »
    Unless they separate Garda policing from national security functions this makes no sense.

    Harris' loyalty has always been to a foreign power. It was revealed at the Smithwick Tribunal that as PSNI head of intelligence he was its interface with MI5. Hardly a safe set of hands for matters of national security.

    No adverse reflection on Harris' character intended : he appears to be a talented, experienced and principled Police officer.

    What matters of State security do you imagine he will be passing on to MI5 - everybody knows the Nuclear fallout bunker is under the Costume Barracks in Athlone https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custume_Barracks Do we have any other secrets that might be useful to a 'foreign' power - the very one we would turn if we were threatened by terrorists/Russia etc.


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