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The outgoing president of the Association of Garda Representatives (GRA) has condemned the association’s “militancy” and raised his concerns with the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
In a spirited speech at the GRA’s annual conference of delegates, Jim Mulligan said that this militancy included “calls for industrial action at the height of a pandemic” and unauthorized lobbying by politicians.
Condemn a “militant rump” that has formed a “shadow [on] GRA ”, Mr. Mulligan said he could not bear the behavior.
He said he recently reported his concerns to Justice Minister Helen McEntee and met with Commissioner Drew Harris on the matter.
“I don’t know what additional measures can be taken, but I think this association needs to be investigated before it gets out of hand.”
The GRA, representing some 12,000 grassroots Gardaí, held its annual conference online for the first time.
Fight
Mulligan’s speech reflects months of infighting within the GRA executive. Opponents of Mr. Mulligan and former GRA Secretary General Pat Ennis believe the association is not strong enough on behalf of its members in its dealings with the Garda administration.
Mr. Ennis was effectively deposed as general secretary last February when the GRA executive declined to renew his contract. Assistant Secretary General Philip McAnenly is Acting Secretary General.
Mr. Mulligan said the convening of the conference was a “sham”. He said his main goal was to remove Ennis from office because he insisted on financial oversight and governance reforms.
He described Mr. Ennis as the “Ronaldo” of Garda labor relations. “But now we are going to take him off the field. This does not serve our members. “
The morning session saw the unopposed election of Frank Thornton as the new GRA president and Brendan O’Connor as vice president.
O’Connor said he was “not militant or radical in any way,” but current policies of “appeasement and compliance” had failed members.
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