Conor Brady

The new Garda commissioner overcame a gruelling recruitment process and a costly pension glitch. This is nothing in comparison to the task ahead.

The review into Ireland’s bail laws following the State apology to the family of Shane O’Farrell is a red herring. Neither the public or the O’Farrell family is any wiser as to what happened and whether steps are being taken to ensure it cannot happen again.

The British inquiry into the atrocity concludes its initial series of commemorative hearings this Wednesday. Despite the Irish Government’s assurances of support for the process, the dynamic of the Good Friday Agreement at the time means it will fall a long way short.

There are malign players stoking up racial hatred, working in organised conspiracy today in our society. Merely charging their pawns with minor offences against public order is insufficient.

Amidst all the hand-wringing here over rising road deaths and in spite of the expressions of official grief, there has been little talk of mirroring other jurisdictions around the world and mobilising the community.

The post of Garda commissioner will become vacant in June of next year when Drew Harris finishes his tenure. But who will take up the reins after he goes? For a whole lot of reasons, it is vital that the State has a plan.

Policing only comes onto the political agenda when its shortcomings provide an opportunity to attack the Government. We have seen this again with the response to the riots in Dublin last week.

The various arms of the country’s Justice structures all have separate and distinct roles. While they operate independently of each other they are also expected to liaise closely to ensure the safety of the State. That’s not happening and all is not well with the system.