A Clare Government Senator is adding his voice to calls for the Garda Commissioner to step aside.
Drew Harris is set to appear before the Oireachtas Justice Committee in the coming hour, where he’s expected to face heavy criticism over the response to last Thursday’s Dublin riots.
There are mounting calls for a new appointment in the office of Garda Commissioner in the wake of the Dublin riots last week.
Over the course of the evening of November 24th, over 400 Gardaí were deployed, several sustained minor injuries, one was seriously injured, and eleven Garda Vehicles were damaged.
Members of the Garda Representative Association claim personnel on the ground were uncertain of using force to quell the situation, due to fear of repercussions.
Clare GRA representative, Garda Paul Crowley says Gardaí are reluctant to use appropriate force when encountering public order incidents.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil Senator is among those to call for the resignation of the Garda Commissioner.
Timmy Dooley claims last Thursday’s events were not an isolated incident in the context of the commissioner’s relationship with rank and file members following roster disputes, administration burnouts and overwhelming votes of no confidence from within the organisation in recent months.
Speaking on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, Senator Timmy Dooley has said the blame for failing to instil a culture of confidence and protection in the force, lies solely with the Garda Commissioner.
The Mountshannon native says Gardaí on the ground have been rendered powerless by the actions and policies of Commissioner Harris.
Drew Harris will appear before the Oireachtas Justice Committee at half past one, while the Justice Minister, who was due to attend, will instead be filling for the Taoiseach at leaders questions in the Dáil.
Minister Helen McEntee cing calls to resign, with her position described as “untenable.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin says, if tabled, he believes Minister McEntee would survive a no-confidence vote, and he would never call for a Commissioner to resign.
You can listen to the full Dail discussion below.
