Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

The Government has a great deal of work to do if it wants to ensure the referendum will be passed. The arrogant attitude displayed by some will not be of assistance in that regard. The Minister has engaged in bullying in respect of a number of issues and he received an answer in that regard at the recent GRA conference. He was, again, very mealy-mouthed when he addressed the latter. Those present were very direct in informing him with regard to what is happening and indicated that some members of the force do not even have access to patrol cars. The Minister expects the people to vote in favour of even further austerity when gardaí in some areas do not even have access to bicycles.

I do not condone the protest which took place at the Labour Party's conference last weekend. Protests should not be allowed at Ard-Fheiseanna or party conferences.

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