Guards find a fall guy -One Garda Reassigned to Desk duties - Bertie fears voters - changes tune

Wednesday May 08, 2002 19:59

by blisset

from Examiner breaking news

Garda 're-assigned' following protest incident 08/05/2002 - 7:17:44 PM http://breaking.tcm.ie/story.asp?j=34867928&p=34868634&n=34868688&x=ie

Garda 're-assigned' following protest incident
08/05/2002 - 7:17:44 PM

Gardai have confirmed a garda has been reassigned to desk duties after Monday’s clashes with anti-globalisation protestors in Dublin.

The reassigned person is understood to be an officer of garda rank from a North Dublin station.

It follows footage of Gardai, including one bearing no identification badge, violently batoning young demonstrators.

Earlier today the Garda Commissioner, Pat Byrne, also said he is concerned by the video footage of how his force handled Monday’s disturbances.

Assistant Commissioner Tony Hickey has been appointed to carry out an official report into the disturbances.

Despite calls from Labour and The Progressive Democrats for an independent examination, Commissioner Byrne says a thorough and professional investigation will be carried out.

The head of the force is also pledging that all aspects, both criminal and disciplinary, will be examined.

Commissioner Byrne is warning that no conclusions should be jumped to before the report is carried out however.

The Taoiseach says it is clearly evident from video footage that at least one garda was wielding a baton indiscriminately during Monday’s street protest.

He made the comments on the campaign trail in Laois today.

Mr Ahern held an impromptu press conference on the matter this afternoon.

He said it was up to the gardai to deal with the matter themselves and that it was never acceptable for the gardai to use unacceptable or excessive force.

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Comments (1 of 1)

garda sergaent's association on radio

by e or

Wed May 08, 2002 21:16

gumbridge at hotmail dot com

i heard some garda sergaent on the radio this morning and he actually sounded something approaching open to criticism about the whole thing on monday.he also made reference to apparent garda fears about the upcoming irish presidency of the e.u perhaps having something to do with what went on-the word petrified was used also.
i wonder if i'm being naive because i've not actually seen any of the tv footage of the gards in action on the day, but having seen themat landsdowne road at that footy match a few years ago i've seen enough to know that a whole load of coppers from the hills going mental with batons is something that they actually look like theyre enjoying
all i'm saying is credit where its due to the individual concerned as he at least didnt trot out the same tired line the cops usually do following something like this"operational matter presently under investigation therefore i'm not willing to comment"-you know the line of stonewalling guff i mean

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Guards find a fall guy -One Garda Reassigned to Desk duties - Bertie fears voters - changes tune

Comments (1 of 1)