Garda management ‘cannot ignore almost unanimous vote’ - Lowry

"Garda management cannot ignore the almost unanimous vote of No Confidence in the Garda Commissioner", Tipperary Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry said today.

Responding to the results of a vote taken by the 10,802 members of An Garda Siochana and the fact that just 116 voted Confidence in Commissioner Harris, with 9,013 voting to declare No Confidence, Deputy Lowry said this is "a startling rejection of the proposed Garda Roster change. 

"Surely Gardai on the front line know what will not work in practice", he told the Tribune on Wednesday afternoon.

"An Garda Siochana is a 14,000-strong force and the turnout for this No Confidence ballot was 84.5%. This has been deemed a record turnout for a Garda vote.

"98.7% of those who cast ballots voted No Confidence. Their voices must be heard.

"The Commissioner should scrap his directive and re-enter talks at finding an acceptable solution. 

"The current level of discontent must be managed before irreparable damage is done" says Deputy Lowry.

Now that the GRA ballot has been completed the Association plans to hold a Special Delegate Conference in two weeks time.

The Association wants to maintain existing Rosters, which were put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic. These rosters involve 12-hour shifts in a pattern of four days on/four days off and have proven very popular with Gardaí across the board as they afford them better quality of life and time to spend with their families.

When Commissioner Harris announced in mid-July that these rosters would be discontinued from November 6 the GRA decided soon after to hold a Vote of No Confidence in him.

"While the change to the rosters is the main concern and what has led to the unprecedented ballot, the GRA is also concerned about Garda training, falling numbers in the Garda Force and a range of other issues, including what is seen as inadequate training, very low morale and increasing resignations", Deputy Lowry said on Wednesday afternoon.