Hi °C | Lo °C ALAN Shatter has brushed off the vote of no-confidence in him from rank-and-file gardai, saying the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has "gone to war" with almost every Minister for Justice.
The GRA passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Shatter over garda cuts, and have withdrawn from public sector pay talks.
Mr Shatter said no damage has been done to his relationship with the GRA, but added: "I think they can better represent them by enganging in the talks process.
"Of course, the GRA do have some form. I think they have gone to war with most of my ministerial predecessors on a variety of issues."
He cited the GRA's opposition to the establishment of the garda reserve force in 2006, and said now is a time of change and people had to embrace it.
