Comment

The past few years have not been kind to the Garda Síochána. Our police force has suffered from a series of high-profile episodes that have necessitated tribunals, commissions, investigations and prompted a re-evaluation of the methods of An Garda Síochána. Last week, Commissioner Conroy spoke of the hurt caused by the recent episodes. That hurt has been felt throughout the force and will probably remain for some time.

The biggest fall-out from the recent upheavals within the force has been Garda morale. As the public loses more and more confidence in their police force, morale within the force has plummeted. This morale is key to upholding law and order in this land.

The Garda Síochána must have the respect of the public if they are going to be effective in policing our towns and villages. That respect is currently lacking, and the immediate consequence is a police force under fire from within and without.

The gardaí themselves have not handled any crisis well. From Abbeylara to Donegal, their first instinct has been the wrong instinct. Overly defensive in their attitude, they have helped to fan the flames of public discontent. This discontent has now manifested itself into public disillusionment.

The Garda Síochána are now fighting battles with their own rank and file, their minister and with public relations. All of this is deflecting from their only worthwhile fight – the one they should be concentrating all of their energies on – the fight against crime.

We too must take some of the blame. How many of us really know how difficult a job gardaí have in the Ireland of 2006? We all know of the solid, upstanding, dedicated gardaí that do a wonderful job for their communities. And we do know that the few rotten apples, as they are so often referred to, are only that: a few.

But do we know how many gardaí are spat upon, attacked, assaulted, insulted and humiliated every day in this country? A visit to your local district court some morning would open your eyes.

Do we know how many gardaí have had to knock on a family door in the middle of the night and deliver the cruellest of news? Many of them are giving the worst news possible, most of them are doing so without any training in this area.

These are just some of the everyday realities that gardaí face in Ireland right now. They are currently facing into their day or night’s work with a suspicious public looking on. Is it any wonder morale is on the floor? Yes, we can do something about that. While the proper bodies go about restructuring the force and improving the link between the gardaí and the public, we can play a part too.

We can respect our gardaí. We can look on them as they should be looked upon: men and women who are doing a most difficult job on our behalf.

They deserve our respect and our support. People who are given respect and support almost always behave in a manner that justifies this respect and support.

For these brave men and women, it is the least we can do.