The withdrawal of a threat by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to target the seats of vulnerable Government TDs in the coming general election, as part of its campaign against the introduction of a police reserve, was acknowledgment that a serious blunder had been made.
The overt politicisation of its campaign would have undermined the independence and authority of the Garda Síochána and propelled the association into extremely dangerous waters. At the same time, the GRA's continuing refusal to accept the will of the Dáil in relation to a police reserve involves an equally potent threat to democratic principles. That attitude must change.
Yesterday's apologetic statement by GRA general secretary P J Stone that "we don't want to become involved in politics ... it simply would not be right", reflected a recognition that boundaries had been crossed in this dispute that should never have been breached. But, having marched his members up the hill in a public confrontation with the Government and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, he appeared unwilling to order a retreat to lower ground. Instead, Mr Stone attempted to have it both ways, fiercely opposing the establishment of a Garda reserve while, at the same time, calling for the establishment of a forum so that the issues could be discussed in a calm atmosphere.
GRA officials will have to modify their position. Having orchestrated an intemperate and defiant two-day debate at their annual conference, however, it will not be easy. Time - and a degree of flexibility on the part of the Government - may help. The GRA has portrayed the police reserve as a cheap alternative to full-time Garda members that will not add to the effectiveness of the force, while absorbing vital resources. That is not what is intended. And Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy provided details of funding for new equipment, station accommodation and civilian administrative support in a speech to the conference. More can be done.
The GRA is entitled to pursue legitimate industrial grievances with Garda management and the Department of Justice. But it cannot dictate policy to either the Government or the Garda Commissioner when the contested administrative change has been endorsed by the Oireachtas. A police reserve will strengthen links between the community and the Garda; provide the force with better intelligence and greater visibility on our streets. It has proved a positive development in other countries. There is no reason why that should not happen here.
Respect for authority and the rule of law represents the cornerstone of a properly functioning democracy. It imposes a discipline that all must obey, even in difficult and trying circumstances. That is why members of the Garda Síochána who are opposed to the introduction of a police reserve should carefully weigh the damage a campaign of resistance and insubordination would cause to the values they are sworn to uphold.