MORE THAN 100 people protested outside Belmullet Garda station in Mayo on Saturday, calling for an independent inquiry into policing of the Corrib gas project.
The protesters also called for suspension of Garda officers involved in the controversial tape recording which is the subject of an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
Gardaí on the tape were heard joking about raping a female protester who had been arrested. The Garda Commissioner has apologised for the incident.
Statements of support were read out by local women on behalf of National Women’s Council Ireland chief executive Susan McKay, Global Women’s Strike and Mayo Sinn Féin’s Cllr Thérèse Ruane.
Cllr Gerry Murray, also of Mayo Sinn Féin, has called on the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, to ensure senior gardaí comply with the current code of standards for retiring senior civil servants.
Mr Murray said it was “totally unacceptable” for senior gardaí who were involved in the country’s “most sensitive policing issue” to take up paid positions on retirement with Shell or with the security company working for it.
“Such activities only serve to fuel suspicions that a culture of collusion prevails between the gardaí and Shell,” Mr Murray said.
