The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) says it hopes its reputation has not been tainted in the eyes of the public. It follows a 6-hour meeting yesterday between senior Garda management and the 4 sergeants who staged a walkout protest at its annual conference.

After the meeting the delegates from Carlow and Kilkenny said they did not mean to offend the Garda Commissioner adding he had their full support.

Full confidence in the Commissioner

In a statement they indicated that they meant to cause no offence to the Commissioner. They personally have full confidence in the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and that he enjoys the full confidence of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.

It goes on to say "Members of AGSI will never shirk their responsibility to either the Garda Commissioner or members of the public" and that "The representatives of the Kilkenny/Carlow Branch regret that this whole matter has been played out on TV and in the Public Arena".

John Redmond is General-Secretary of the AGSI. He says he regrets the way the situation was played out in the public arena. But adds that none of this would have happened if they were given a voice at the Croke Park talks table.