Gardai regularly assault homeless, says priest

by donal - O'corc Thu Nov 28, 2002 13:44

I've been working with homeless people in Dublin for most of the past decade, and I can confirm that many of those living on the street are subject to frequent attacks by Gardai. There seems to be a perception in the Gardai that theres a differant set of rules for homeless people - they're "fair game" for brutality, and have no come back. They are vulnerable, with no come back - and if they attempt to complain, they are subject to further harrasment from Gardai. On the streets the Gardai rule, and on their own terms. Its pretty rough out there.

I've been approached by homeless people I know many times with the question "What can I do - its happening all the time" Usualy there are no witnessess, and its the word of a street person against that of a police man or woman. Approaching the complaints board seems pointless. I dont know what to tell them.

by Tom Thu Nov 28, 2002 15:48

Fr Mc Verry is a strange character. He lives with a lot of young boys up in Mc Donagh Tower and never says a Mass! His Order has more or less abandoned him and shun any press queries about his role and where he gets his finance from if he has no parish income.
It is indeed strange that he castigate an entire organisation if just a handful of members break the rules. Surely he would be upset if the media castigate every priest and being a paedophile when we know the vast majority are very hard working honourable persons. Why does he do to others what he does not like being done to himself?????
If Fr Mc Verry has evidence he should present same to the appropriate authorities. How are the gRdai expected to deal with corrupt members if people dont provide evidence to help get them out of the force??

by Andrew Thu Nov 28, 2002 17:31

Hey Tom, given the refusal of the Gardai to identify each other in the May 6th RTS footage maybe you should be asking yourself (woops ... them) that question?

by Dave Thu Nov 28, 2002 19:14

How are the toothless complaints board expected to investigate complaints when the cops give them the two fingers, the comments of Peter McVerry re homeless people are one hundred per cent correct.
I am not the country's champion church goer, but Peter McVerry is one cleric I would have respect for, he operates on the ground floor with the homeless and vulnerable, fairs dues to him.

by eoin Thu Nov 28, 2002 20:00

"How are the gRdai expected to deal with corrupt members if people dont provide evidence to help get them out of the force??"

We dont have anyone to give the evidence to the gardai are policed by their co-workers, make a complaint against one of them and you are likely to become a target for them all

by Jon Fri Nov 29, 2002 11:37

Tom suggests approaching the appropriate authorities re. police brutality. Sorry Tom - you and your collegues are no longer, (if you ever were) the appropriate authorities. Get back to us when you're accountable. And as for McVerry - he's got integrity. Get yourself a dictionary officer.

by Tom Fri Nov 29, 2002 15:03

That must make you guys hacks!!
So if I support the Irish lads in the British Army I suppose you would call me a squaddie.