THIS WEEK IT was announced that Nóirín O’Sullivan has been appointed as the new Garda Commissioner.

Her appointment was mostly welcomed – even by the various representative associations for gardaí.

But what do the rank and file officers, out on the beat every day think of their new boss?

One garda said they think “nothing’s going to change”.

She was around with Callinan and she has the same mindset.

“I thought that they were outsourcing the position,” said another source. “I have no ill will towards her but if the higher echelons are allowed to stay in charge nothing will change.”

Another told us they also believe “the system in place is just going to say the same”. They said they do not think any of the necessary major reforms will take place within the force under O’Sullivan.

However they were prepared to be proven wrong in the new year, particularly hoping that promises about additional resources will be kept. Mirroring this sentiment, one garda said “ask me again in six months”.

There was support for O’Sullivan from one source who commented that it would put “an end to the void” and the negative commentary about gardaí.

Some would say it can be seen that we are not all thrown on the rubbish heap now, that we are not all corrupt. On her personal basis, she would have been the most competent and experienced.

The new Garda Commissioner was in charge when a number of critical reports about the force were published recently and she has promised sweeping reforms to improve the service. On the day of her appointment, she said lessons have been learned and the force is now ready to apply those lesson. Time will tell.

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