Policing matters

This article examines the historical origins of Garda industrial relations (IR) through the lens of the “thin blue line”. This concept, which equates the absence of the police with chaos, had significant implications for the IR structure of the nascent force, the manner in which discontent was expressed by Gardaí during various industrial disputes and the nature of political responses to Garda grievances. Although the thin blue line often serves as justification for the curtailment of Garda labour rights, it will be argued that both the Gardaí and the political establishment share a vested interest in its preservation. Paradoxically, until one or both parties relinquish their adherence to this concept, the thin blue line will ensure the continued stagnation of the IR capabilities of the force.