John Waters, Fintan O'Toole to speak at Garda conference

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) plans to invite a number of prominent Irish journalists to their annual conference to take part in a debate about Irish policing. Although none were confirmed at time of going to print, the GRA, which represents rank and file gardaí, hopes that RTÉ broadcaster Sean O'Rourke, who presents the News at One on RTÉ Radio 1 and The Week In Politics will chair the debate. Irish Times' columnists Fintan O'Toole and John Waters will also be invited to speak at it.

The annual conference will take place in the Radisson Hotel in Galway and begins at 10am on Tuesday 9 May. It is expected that the GRA will reject plans for a Garda Reserve Force, as proposed by Michael McDowell, the Minister for Justice. Other issues that will be covered will include Garda pay and working conditions.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors recently voted narrowly not to cooperate with the plans for the Garda Reserve Force.

John Byrne