Some 49% of people would not encourage a family member to join An Garda Síochána, according to a new Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll. 

Surveying 1,196 people, the poll shows 39% of people would recommend their family member become a Garda while 12% were not sure. 

This result comes following the Garda Representative Association’s (GRA) announcement that rank-and-file Gardaí will take industrial action over roster disputes, including the threat of a strike on November 10th. 

Some 53% of people said they agree with rank-and-file Gardaí in the dispute, compared to 20% who supported Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and 27% who were unsure. 

A further 45% said they support the GRA’s decision to take action, including refusing voluntary overtime on October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st. Some 38% said they don’t support the planned industrial action. 

64% also said Gardaí should use physical force to police non-peaceful protests “by the far right or other extremist elements” such as the recent conflict outside Leinster House. 

Party support

The gap between Sinn Féin and opposing parties has also increased following Mary Lou McDonald’s return to the public eye. 

The Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll found Sinn Féin remains the most popular party in the country with 35%, up two points since the last poll. 

Fine Gael dropped by 2 points to 19%, while Fianna Fáil has also dropped back to 17%, down one point. 

The Green Party increased its support by two points to 4%. 

Support for the re-election of the current coalition fell three points to 37%, while support for a Sinn Féin-led Government without Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil increased to 45%. 

Some 43% support a Sinn Féin-Fianna Fáil coalition.