Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Many people say we need to depoliticise policing. Many agree with that. I hear from gardaí on the ground who are doing good work with the drugs squad and Travellers that once gardaí reach the level of sergeant, the system becomes political and the whole meritocracy disappears. How would the delegates deal with that kind of culture? There are many talented young gardaí who basically feel they will be shafted once promoted above the level of sergeant. I have met many of them over the past 30 years. I have seen them in the drugs squad and working on the ground with Travellers. When they become inspectors or superintendents, they say privately that it is political. How do we depoliticise the system effectively and deal with that culture?