Minister warns GRA head over remarks on reservists
The Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is threatening disciplinary measures against the head of the Garda Representative Association over comments he made on the Garda Reserve.
GRA General Secretary PJ Stone told RTÉ News this morning that new Garda Reserve recruits will be "despised and hated" when they join the force.
According to GRA head PJ Stone, the opposition from rank and file gardaí to the reserve has not eased.
Earlier today he said that his organisation would decide on how bring forward its opposition to the reserve next month.
Minister McDowell has this afternoon issued a warning to Mr Stone over the comments and indicated that he had spoken to the Garda Commissioner about the remarks.
The Tánaiste is also warning that he is satisfied that there are "quick and effective remedies in relation to anyone who would publicly threaten from within the cohesion and effectiveness of An Garda Síochána, or challenge the authority of the Garda Commissioner and the Government".
The first group of Garda Reserve recruits began training this morning.
