In a significant development for the Irish police force, the Garda Representatives Association (GRA), which represents rank and file members, has passed a vote of no confidence in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. The association has been in dispute with Harris over rota changes and other working conditions, leading to a strained relationship. This news has garnered attention as it highlights the dissatisfaction among members with Harris’s leadership. This article will explore the reasons behind the vote of no confidence, the response from Harris, and the implications for the Irish policing system.
The vote of no confidence in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was passed by an overwhelming majority of 98.7% in favour to 1.3% against. Out of the 10,803 members asked, 9,013 voted against Harris, while only 116 expressed confidence in his leadership. This resounding outcome reflects the deep-rooted discontent among gardaí over a range of issues, including working patterns, recruitment, retention, training, and staff morale.
The dispute between the GRA and Commissioner Harris mainly revolves around planned changes to officers’ rosters. Harris had proposed a return to pre-pandemic rosters, which would require officers to work six-day weeks followed by four days off. However, this proposal was met with resistance from rank and file gardaí who preferred the Covid-era rosters, where shifts were longer but officers worked four days on and four off.
The GRA argued that the six-day week would result in 47 additional days on duty per year for some members, leading to increased commuting and childcare costs. Despite months of negotiations, Harris proceeded with the unpopular rota changes, which the GRA described as “the last straw.” This decision further exacerbated the strained relationship between the commissioner and the association.
Commissioner Drew Harris had already stated his intention not to resign regardless of the outcome of the no-confidence ballot. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has expressed confidence in Harris’s leadership, indicating government support for him to continue his role. However, the overwhelming majority in favour of the vote of no confidence cannot be overlooked, as it signifies a lack of faith in the commissioner’s ability to address the concerns of the rank and file members.
This vote comes just nine days after the resignation of Simon Byrne, the former chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), following criticism of his handling of several controversies. Drew Harris, a former deputy chief constable of the PSNI, assumed his role as Garda commissioner in September 2018.
