Sir, – Let me get this right. A petrol retailer offers its customers an exceptional price for its product (an entirely legal act). The Garda Síochána complains that it had no advance notice of the promotion (!), promptly speaks to the retailer who is “asked” to cancel the promotion and restore “normal prices” and the law-abiding public pays more than the retailer wanted to charge because the Garda Síochána wasn’t happy with the traffic congestion! At what level in the Garda organisation was this decision taken? I had to check the date when I read this story and no, it isn’t April 1st (Home News, March 30th).
So what’s next? SuperValu offers a great price on its hams (without notification to the Garda Síochána), shoppers descend on their local store to purchase same, causing some traffic problems, and the squad car, blue lights ablaze, will pull up in minutes cancelling this? What planet is this?
Not alone do our gardaí seemingly allow those who have ruined our economy to walk around in freedom, no doubt in the company of corrupt politicians, but now, when too many (their definition) of the citizenry decide to avail of a good retail offer (few and far between), our gardaí believe they have a right to step in and end it? I am outraged and an explanation is due. – Yours, etc,