The Garda Commissioner has to go say Rural Independents

In a historic and unprecedented ballot, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has overwhelmingly expressed a vote of no confidence in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, with a staggering 98.7% of rank-and-file members firmly withdrawing their support.

This resounding declaration underscores the fact that Commissioner Harris's position has become untenable, the Rural Independent Group, led by Tipperary Independent TD, Mattie McGrath said today.

Rural Independent leader Deputy Mattie McGrath, who first called for Commissioner Harris's resignation in July, reiterates that there is no longer any room for the Commissioner to remain in office. 

Addressing the outcome of the GRA ballot, Deputy McGrath commented in a statement to the Tribune on Wednesday afternoon:

"In July, I voiced my concerns that the Garda Commissioner had 'lost the dressing room.' Today's vote has confirmed it, with an overwhelming 98.7 percent of rank-and-file members of the force voting no confidence in Commissioner Harris. This represents the largest ballot return in the history of the GRA, and it speaks volumes."

"The genesis of this historic vote lies in the fact that neither the Commissioner nor the Minister for Justice has been attentive to the grievances of our dedicated Garda members. For months, rank-and-file members of An Garda Síochána, hailing from every corner of the country, have been highlighting the paramount importance of public safety and the well-being of our hardworking Garda force."

"The Minister for Justice can no longer disregard the genuine concerns raised by our rank-and-file members, as demonstrated by this resounding vote. Decisive action is now imperative. Regrettably, despite the continuous appeals from Garda members concerning public safety and well-being, both the Commissioner and the Minister for Justice have remained unresponsive."

"The planned implementation of new rosters on November 6th must be halted in favor of meaningful engagement with rank-and-file members, with a focus on safeguarding the well-being of Garda members and bolstering street-level policing, particularly in areas facing staffing shortages."

"I am urgently calling upon the Justice Minister to directly intervene and ensure the necessary changes that prioritize citizen safety and community welfare while addressing leadership issues within the Gardaí."

 "Today's resounding vote by the GRA underscores the pressing need for strong leadership that places paramount importance on public safety and community well-being. Immediate action is imperative to restore morale and effectiveness within the Gardaí. It is high time we equip the force with the requisite staffing and resources, a fundamental step in ensuring the safety of our communities and the protection of Irish citizens," concluded Deputy Mattie McGrath.