Michael Healy-Rae calls on Garda Commissioner to resign: 'Do the right thing'
James Cox
Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae has urged Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to "do the right thing” and "resign his post with immediate effect".
Mr Healy-Rae said Mr Harris would be "winding down the clock on his extended contract as he has lost the full confidence of his force" if he does not resign.
Mr Harris was appointed Garda Commissioner in September 2018 on a five-year contract.
It was extended by two years in February 2022, and is due to expire in June 2025.
Mr Harris faced a no-confidence motion last September, with a Garda Representative Association (GRA) ballot passing by an unprecedented 98.7 per cent.
The unrest among An Garda Síochána was over roster changes.
Mr Healy-Rae said: “I have never doubted the Commissioner’s genuine effort to do the right thing but the role and challenges have simply became too great for him and, indeed, the current Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, and it is clear that things are getting a whole lot worse rather than better and it’s time for a change at the top, rather than winding down the clock on his extended contract.
"Crime and social disorder do not wait, and another 10 months will in my opinion see things get a whole lot worse and will make the job of a new Commissioner almost impossible."
The Irish Times recently reported that Mr Harris has rejected a number of offers to extend his tenure.
Mr Healy-Rae added: “From speaking to rank-and-file gardaí, it is evident that current policing policy in response to disorder across the country is no longer fit for purpose and the lack of direction from the top table is leading to areas becoming uncontrollable.
“The almost common day occurrence of gardaí being challenged on the streets with ever increasing fears for their lives does not show the effects of good leadership. The morale is at an all-time low with many family members now living in fear each morning before their loved ones go to work.
“Mr Harris should read the room in these unprecedented times and show the type of leadership that is needed and step aside from the post with immediate effect rather than bowing out next April 2025. It would be a move that would be welcomed by many."
