https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/pat-flanagan-garda-commissioner-drew-23615744Pat Flanagan: Garda Commissioner Drew Harris needs to learn difference between far right and wrongHow did Drew Harris not know a mass protest against the lockdown restrictions was organised by right-wing extremists?Was the Garda Commissioner’s claim that the “hard left” were involved in last Saturday’s Dublin riot a genuine mistake or wishful thinking?
More to the point, how did Drew Harris not know a mass protest against the lockdown restrictions was organised by right-wing extremists?
Early on, the difference between right and wrong is drilled into children. Uunfortunately, the Commissioner doesn’t appear to know the difference between right and left.
Well it’s either that or, as many on the left believe, this is further evidence the country’s top police officer is becoming overly political.
Harris’ claim shortly after the shameful scenes in Dublin’s Grafton street were extraordinary because even those with little or no interest in politics would have been aware as to which end of the spectrum the organisers belonged.
The blame game took a further political twist when Justice Minister Helen McEntee, obviously taking a cue from her police chief, went on radio to wrongly blame “violent far left and republicans” for the riot.
When it became clear that what she said was not true, she said it was important “not to get caught up” in labelling the groups involved.
Would she have had the same attitude if Fine Gael were wrongly accused of being involved in corruption?
Let’s not go there.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris at Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin, (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
To his credit, Commissioner Harris admitted his claims were false and issued a statement to that effect.
He stated: “The vast majority of those who took part belong to a number of factions including anti-vaccine, anti-mask and
anti-lockdown protesters, far right groups and those intent on trouble and disorder.
“Despite initial indications, following further investigation, there is no corroborated evidence of extreme left factions being involved.”
Anyone who uses social media could have told the Commissioner exactly which groups were behind the riots, along with the names of some of those involved.
What is troubling is that the Garda Chief didn’t know, or didn’t want to know, who was behind the chaos before he made the accusations.
Comparisons have been made to the fallout from the riots in Washington last month when there were claims it was far-left extremists who stormed the Capitol when it was clearly right-wing fanatics, who make up most of Donald Trump’s core support.
Not surprisingly, those on the left are unhappy with being associated with a mob of nutters – many of which are using the cover of the lockdowns to further their racist and fascist agendas.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy wants further clarifications as to how and why Commissioner Harris claimed the far left were involved.
He said: “This was a far-right protest, the people on that protest have views which are closer to the Government than they are to the views of the so-called far left.
“So I still think the Garda Commissioner has explaining to do.
“He should outline what were those initial indications which led him unfortunately to smear the far left of being involved.
“Obviously, who had no involvement whatsoever with anything.”
Deputy Murphy has a point in that there are elements that never miss an opportunity to have a go at Sinn Fein or, in this case, what they like to label the far left even if, as in this case, it is totally unjustified.
There can be little doubt the rise of Mary Lou McDonald’s party, together with the demise of Fianna Fail, has rattled the political establishment.
The prospect of Sinn Fein forming a government with left-wing parties and independents after a future election is now a distinct possibility.
In February of last year Commissioner Harris made grave allegations against Sinn Fein when attempts were being made to form a government.
He as good as said Mrs McDonald’s party was being run by the IRA Army Council and was not fit to govern based on information gleaned from M15 and the PSNI.
Unfortunately, Commissioner Harris again visited that dangerous political territory with his comments last weekend.
There can be no denying that what took place in Dublin last Saturday was pure thuggery, totally unjustifiable and organised by people who are spoiling for a fight rather than worried about their loss of freedoms.
While the public are fed up with Level 5 restrictions, the vast majority support the gardai who are in a difficult position being left to police the lockdowns.
But the Garda Commissioner, even inadvertently, straying into the political sphere does nothing for his credibility or that of the force.
Better if he took action against those who are organising the illegal protest set to take place on St Patrick’s Day and the social media platforms which allow these right-wing extremists to spread their hatred.
