GRA accuses Garda Commissioner Drew Harris of ‘inviting conflict’

Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has said its relationship with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is “in many ways irreparable”, further accusing the top officer of having “invited conflict”.

The deterioration in relations comes after almost 99 per cent of GRA who voted in a recent ballot organised by the association expressed no confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

The unprecedented vote stemmed from discontent within the force, mostly around the commissioner’s plan to return to a pre-pandemic roster from November 6th.

In a statement after a meeting with Mr Harris on Tuesday, GRA general secretary Ronan Slevin said: “This afternoon’s meeting with the Garda Commissioner was in my view a complete waste of time and I now feel that the GRA’s relationship with him is in many ways irreparable.

“Two weeks ago our hip sent a clear message when almost 99 per cent of those balloted voted No Confidence in his leadership. Sadly, any talks since then to try and repair this damage have failed which completely vindicates the result of this ballot.

“Yesterday we formally wrote to the Commissioner requesting once again that the date for the changing of our roster of the 6th November is removed or deferred to ensure that our won’t have to change their working patterns twice in a short space of time.

“We even gave a commitment that the GRA would then immediately enter these proposed talks in good faith as we always have, actively trying to find an acceptable solution. It must be ed that we were the only Association to remain in talks during the 64 days of negotiations at Westmanstown, which highlights our commitment to the process.

“Furthermore, we explained that even if we managed to reach an agreement, our Association would require at least 6 weeks to conduct a ballot of our , therefore the impending date of the 6th November needed to be addressed as it would not allow for meaningful, open negotiations.

“However, the Commissioner has simply told us today that he is not for moving on the November 6th deadline and that, in his words, ‘the roster will change on that date’.

“It is our view that the Commissioner has now invited conflict and it will be up to our delegates at tomorrow’s specially convened conference to chart the direction of the actions to follow.”

A Garda spokesperson said a final decision on next steps on the roster dispute had not been made: “As part of long-standing efforts by all parties to get collective agreement on a new roster, the Garda management side and the four Garda Associations met again today.

“A final decision regarding next steps has not been made. All parties have asked to consider possible next steps. A further meeting has been scheduled for Thursday.”

The GRA is holding a Special Delegates Conference on Wednesday.