Discontent at lack of promotions for local gardai

NOVEMBER 1988

MID-RANKING gardaí from Dundalk plan to meet colleagues from elsewhere in Louth-Meath in response to no inspectors from the division being among 32 approved for promotion to superintendent.

Some of the officers who apply for promotion have been carrying out the duties of superintendent.

In Dundalk the position of district superintendent has not been filled since the retirement of Brian McCabe last June.

Det. Supt. Patrick Culhane is doing the job alongside his responsibility for border security.

‘Ignoring local officers (for promotion) is seen as a slap in the face and has hit morale. There is also a knock-on effect that restricts openings for promotion down the line,’ says a garda source.

Dundalk accounts for three of the six inspectors in the Louth-Meath division.

‘We are aware of concern over the question of promotion and we understand our members will be meeting shortly and will be reporting to us on the discussions,’ points out a spokesman for the Garda Sergeants and Inspectors Association.

There is a feeling within the local force that the division could suffer as a result.

Two officers from Monaghan are included on the just-published list of promotions.

There is a belief this is the last chance for promotion for a number of candidates in the area who may be at retirement age by the time of the next list.

Colleagues describe their omission as ‘nothing short of a disgrace’, especially as they would have deputised as superintendent over the years.

Nineteen of the 32 will receive appointments. The remaining thirteen will get appointments in order of priority on the list should vacancies arise before next December.

If none arise by then, they will have to re-apply.