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Shatter: Planned action threatens Garda structure
on 16/02/2013 00:00:00
Mr Shatter said "expressions of anger" and "motions of condemnation" by the GRA were no substitute for rational engagement through the Croke Park talks.
Mr Callinan said rank-and-file members were "quite rightly" venting their anger and said that if he was in their shoes he'd probably be doing something similar. But he said he could not condone industrial action.
They were responding to a vote of no-confidence in Mr Shatter by the GRA executive on Thursday.
The GRA also warned it would launch a phased campaign of industrial action from Friday if the Government pushed through cuts to premium payments and allowances, which they say are part of their core pay.
Mr Shatter said discipline "must be retained" within the force. "We have an excellent Garda Commissioner," he said.
"He works with people in positions of authority who make operational decisions for the force.
"I think it is of greatest importance that members of the force retain their confidence in those in position of authority in the force and I don't think it is a good day for the force that any of the rank-and-file members engage in activities which question the command structure within An Garda Síochána."
GRA president John Parker, said: "We are a dedicated workforce working under extreme pressure and for the minister to turn the table and say we are turning on the commissioner - it's more of the aloof and disengaged minister.
"We have respected the authority of all ranks. The Garda Commissioner is handcuffed. The commissioner is not the person who dreamt up all these cuts. The minister is trying to deflect from the vote of no confidence from the GRA."
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors described Mr Shatter's comments as "diversionary" and a clear indication he was "disconnected from the reality of people's lives on the ground".